"Journey to Excellence" is a new mentoring and induction model created for Iowa schools and AEAs that focuses learning projects for beginning educators on each of the Iowa Teaching Standards. It was created by a team from ISEA, the Iowa Department of Education, districts, and AEAs. It is designed to provide meaningful support for beginning educators, to prepare and support mentors with quality preparation, and be affordable. It is focused, yet flexible. For more details, click here to listen to episode 14 of the ISEA In Focus podcast series  featuring Connie Richardson.

The Training for Trainers of Mentors will be held July 21-25 at the Stoney Creek Inn in Johnston, Iowa. Deadline for registration is July 7 , 2008. For more information, contact Kathy Bosovich .

Order Form for USB Drive with Materials 

Registration for Credit for Training for Trainers 

Download the complete program overview.

Download the registration form. 

Download Draft Agenda. 

10. Set up a communication process with students and parents

Does the district have a policy about class newsletters? Does all communication need to be cleared through the principal? What techniques should be used and what methods are expected in the district?

9. Meetings can have limitations

Regardless of whether the meeting involves administrators, teachers, parents, or students, you do have the right to limit the length of the meeting. If it is scheduled during your preparation time, be sure to never let it extend into the time that you are responsible for students. Students should not be left unattended in a classroom.

8. Know the district discipline policy

Does the district have a specific discipline policy? Is it written in any communication to parents? Does it have steps for including administration in the process? Do you understand the process and has training been offered?

7. Know the district's policy for handling parental complaints

Realize parental complaints will happen. Even if you're named "Teacher of the Year," some parent will probably disagree with a method or technique used in your classroom. Investigate to see if there is a policy for handling phone calls, scheduling meetings, and dealing with upset parents. Know what you need to do before you're faced with it. Knowledge is a key to effectiveness.

6. Know the curriculum policies of the district

Be aware of the procedures for curriculum development and implementation. Be especially aware of the procedures for teaching any science curriculum dealing with human growth and development. Is there a district policy for notification of parents regarding use of materials in the classroom?

5. Establish a support system

If problems arise, seek out help from a teaching partner, someone in your building or hallway, other teachers new to the district, or some other individual who will help "mentor" you. Some districts will assign a "mentor" to you. Be sure that you are able to establish rapport with that individual. If it isn't possible, seek out someone else.

4. Ask for help from other teachers

Don't suffer in silence. If you need help, ask for it and don't feel like you're a failure because you need assistance. Along with that, take the advice that is given to you from experienced teachers in the district. Their opinions are usually grounded in many years of knowledge about the operations of the district. Beware of believing that you have "all the answers" because the education course you took in college made the statement. The real world of the classroom is much different from anything taught in college courses.

3. Learn to manage your time

You will have more work to do than there are hours in the day. It is important to prioritize the work. Avoid procrastination; that only makes matters worse. Plan ahead. Be aware that the week of parent teacher conferences will be time intensive and plan for it.

2. Learn when to say 'no.'

You will be asked to be on many committees and to spend countless hours at school. Prioritize your interests and know when to say "No." Don't allow your "need to be needed" overcome your good sense.You cannot do it all. Accept that fact and do what you can do well.

1. Be a member of the local education association

The Association is your safety net during your probationary period. Know your Association Reps and local leaders. Use them as a source of support and information. If you're asked to do something you're unsure about, contact an Association member and discuss it. They are there to help you succeed. Use them!

• "I CAN DO IT Plus" Classroom Managem ent course
• Beginning Teachers Guide to Evaluation 
• Iowa Teaching Standards
• Top ten ways for new teachers to survive and thrive
• Be your own best advocate
• Order ISEA's Framework for Understanding the Iowa Teaching Standards 
• Information on Iowa teacher evaluation

The ISEA's Professional Development Academy course offerings continue to grow and expand in order to meet the diverse needs of our members. Each of the 15-hour courses is available for either licensure renewal or graduate credit, and they can be offered at the request of a local association or UniServ unit. The courses range in cost from $30 to $45 for members ($65 to $85 for non-members). Graduate credit is available for an additional $105 ($140 for non-members) from Morningside College and Viterbo University.

Click on the links below for a brief description of the courses along with schedules and registration information. If you're interested in organizing a course in your locale, contact your UniServ director or ISEA's Teachiing and Learning Specialist Dave Wilkinson.

• Using the Iowa Teaching Standards
• Improving Teaching Through Reflection on National Standards
• Assessing Portfolio Entries
• Exploring National Board Certification: Pre-Candidacy
• I CAN DO IT Plus! Classroom Management Techniques
• Increasing Student Effort and Responsibility
• Using Real Colors
• Learning Strategies that Address Childhood Obesity Through Physical Activity and Nutrition Education

• FAQs
• Fact Sheet
• Visit the NBPTS Web site
• ISEA support courses
• Meet Iowa's Board Certified teachers
• NEA National Board Certification Loans
• State financial assistance

Support Courses for

National Board Candidates

The ISEA is once again offering information and support for teachers interested in pursuing National Board Certification.

In addition to a facilitator network which pairs current National Board Certified Teachers with current candidates, the Association's Professional Development Academy now offers three, 15-hour courses which are available for license renewal or graduate credit:

• Improving Teaching Through National Standards
• Analyzing Portfolio Entries
• Pre-Candidacy: Considering Seeking National Board Certification
• Advanced Candidate Workshop
• Facilitator Network
• Remarks from Governor's reception for National Board Certified Teachers

For persons who begin the certification process prior to Jan. 1, 2008, the state of Iowa will pay half of the fee; and upon successful completion, they will be reimbursed for the remaining half of the fee and will receive a stipend of $2,500 a year for a maximum of ten years. For details, go to the Iowa Department of Education's Web site. This program will not be offered after Jan. 1, 2008.

National Board Certification is a credential demonstrating teaching expertise. A voluntary process established by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), it is achieved through a rigorous performance-based assessment that takes nearly a year to complete. Since it was created in 1993, more than 47,000 teachers have earned the distinction, including nearly 500 from Iowa. For complete details, visit the NBPTS Web site.

• FAQs
• Fact Sheet
• NBCT presentation with Iowa data and information 
• Support and incentives offered by Iowa school districts
• ISEA support courses
• Visit the NBPTS Web site 
• Meet Iowa's Board Certified teachers
• NEA National Board Certification Loans
• Iowa Department of Education financial awards

National Board Certification

Accept the Challenge and Get the Recognition You Deserve...
...Become a National Board Certified Teacher!

• Why become a National Board Certification teacher?
• Who is eligible for National Board Certification?
• What is the process for certification?
• What does it cost?
• What is the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards?
• Contact information

Why become a National Board Certified teacher?

National Board Certification allows teachers to be recognized for their highly accomplished teaching practices. National Board Certification stimulates teachers to evaluate, reflect and grow as professional educators.

Who is eligible for National Board Certification?

Any individual who:

• Holds a baccalaureate degree,
• Has taught for at least three years, and
• Holds a valid state teaching license for the area in which he/she is teaching.

What is the process for certification?

National Board candidates go through a two-part assessment that is based on the National Board standards and reflects a variety of teaching situations.

The candidate compiles a classroom performance portfolio that includes student work, videotapes, and other teaching exhibits. The portfolio includes commentaries about the goals and purposes of instruction and reflections on what occurred, the effectiveness of the practice, and the rationale for professional decisions. All entries are designed to help the candidate show evidence that he/she has met the standards in the classroom.

The candidate participates in exercises at a National Board Assessment Center. These exercises complement the portfolio and are organized around challenging teaching issues. The entire process occurs over most of the school year, taking approximately 200 hours or more.

Since the program began, 523 Iowa teachers have earned the distinction of being National Board Certified. More than 55,000 teachers across the nation have completed this rigorous process.

What does it cost?

The current application fee is $2,500 plus a $65 nonrefundable processing charge. For persons who begin the certification process prior to Jan. 1, 2008, the state of Iowa will pay half of the fee; and upon successful completion, individuals will be reimbursed for the remaining half of the fee and will receive a stipend of $2,500 a year for a maximum of ten years. For details, go to the Iowa Department of Education's Web site . The Iowa Legislature eliminated this program effective Jan. 1, 2008.

What is the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards?

The NBPTS board of directors, composed primarily of educators, has developed a system of advanced standards and assessments organized around five core propositions:

• Teachers are committed to students and their learning.
• Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.
• Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.
• Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.
• Teachers are members of learning communities.

NBPTS is developing advanced standards based on these propositions in more than 30 certification fields. Each set of standards represents consensus in the certification field of what makes an accomplished teacher.

With the 24 certificates currently offered, 80 percent of teachers have a certificate available in their subject area or level of student development. A total of 30 certificates are planned to be available by 2007.

Contact information

• ISEA Support Courses: Stan Burke (SBurke@isea.org) or Dave Wilkinson (DWilkinson@isea.org)
• State of Iowa Financial Incentives: Jody Crane
  (jody.crane@iowa.gov)
• ISEA Support Courses
• Meet Iowa's National Board Certified teachers
• National Board for Professional Teaching Standards: www.nbpts.org

The ISEA has published A Framework for Understanding the Iowa Teaching Standards and Criteria. Designed as a tool for professional growth and self-assessment, the ISEA worked closely with internationally known author and educator, Charlotte Danielson to link her widely acclaimed Framework for Teaching with the recently developed Iowa Teaching Standards and Criteria.

Danielson's Framework, based on a thorough analysis of the research on effective teaching, brings meaning to the Iowa standards. In order to make this Iowa Framework book useful to teachers, ISEA is considering providing additional professional development opportunities. The cost of the book is $25, but ISEA members receive a $17.50 discount, reducing their cost to just $7.50.

Download an order form (pdf)

Sites of General Interest

• Free Web Tool connects teachers and families--SchoolNotes is a free service that teachers can use to post information online, such as homework assignments, resources links, and even "flash-card" quizzes. Parents and students can be notified automatically when the teacher updates the Web page.
  SchoolNotes complements school sites by allowing teachers to share information on the Web without worrying about HTML or FTP because there is no programming required.Always available, this free community service allows parents, teachers, and students to access school information from home, work, school, or anywhere the Internet is available.
• Education resources at the Smithsonian --The Smithsonian Center for Education and Culture Web site has a special section where you can find a wide variety of resources for both teachers and students including activity sheets, lesson plans, and an extensive library.
• NEA's Read Across America Day--The NEA's Read Across America Day, the nation's premiere literacy event, will be held on March 3 in honor of what would have been Dr. Seuss's 103rd birthday. Now in its tenth year, Read Across America focuses attention on how important it is to motivate children to read in addition to helping them master basic skills. It's not too late to plan celebrations for your classroom or school.
• Resources to prevent dropping out --The NEA supports making high school graduation a top priority and is calling for an investment of $10 billion over the next 10 years to support dropout prevention. But we're not waiting to take action. To find a wealth of resources from NEA about dropout prevention -including information geared for students, parents, teachers, and legislators.
• Staying Safe in Cyberspace --"PointSmart. ClickSafe." is a new multimedia initiative coordinated by the National Cable Telecommunications Association (NCTA) and Cable in the Classroom (CIC) to help families and children make appropriate choices and stay safe while using the Internet. The cornerstone of the effort provides a variety of materials-including an online "guidebook" and video vignettes-offering simple instructions, tips, and scenarios that can help parents and caregivers teach children to make good choices about Internet use. Educators may also find much of the site's information helpful.
• February is Black History Month--and to help you celebrate we've put together a collection of Web sites that provide educational materials, lesson plans, and other helpful resources.
• AEA Online--Students and teachers can find carefully selected resources to enhance learning as well as continuously updated content-sometimes within hours of an event-by visiting the AEA Online Web site. Other useful resources include access to more than 500 education journals and news articles, online videos, and World Book Online. 
• Freedom Writers Web site--The movement was born in 1994 from a teacher's simple notion--inspire young, underprivileged students to pick up pens instead of guns. Since then, the Freedom Writers Foundation, which has inspired a bestselling book and a feature film, has evolved into a renowned charitable organization. The Foundation is dedicated to replicating the Freedom Writers' success in classrooms across the country by equipping teachers with the tools they need to reach and empower their students.
• Positive Coaching Alliance--a national non-profit based at Stanford University, is creating a movement to transform the culture of youth sports so that every young athlete can have a positive, character-building experience.
• The third annual High School Summit--played to a capacity crowd of Iowa educators Dec. 11-12. Even if you weren't able to attend, you can still review several key sessions thanks to Iowa Public Television.
• PBS TeacherSource--PBS TeacherSource features more than 4,500 free lesson plans, activities, and professional development tools for PreK-12 educators. Be sure to investigate the special section for Concepts Across the Curriculum and sign up to receive free e-mails pertinent to your subject area and grade level.
• FREE -- The U.S. Department of Education's unique one-stop website for teaching and learning learning; offers a treasure trove of historical documents, scientific experiments, mathematical challenges, famous paintings, and other tools for teacher and students.
• PBS Online -- a teacher-focused storehouse of information about PBS programming with uses in the K-12 curriculum, as well as associated resources.
• Awesome Library -- organizes the Web with 20,000 carefully reviewed resources, including the top 5 percent in education.
• Busy Teachers' Website K-12 offers direct source materials, lesson plans, and classroom activities.
• TeachNet -- provides access to projects of specific interest, information on grant opportunties, and discussions on policy and leadership.
• Lesson Links -- a bimonthly newsletter for K-12 educators which integrates online links with curriculum topics.
• Library of Congress -- a wealth of information including everything under the sun! Check it out for maps and atlases, too.
• AskERIC -- a virtually limitless resource for lesson plans and information guides.
• U.S. Department of Education -- like having the entire Department of Education at your fingertips; includes Department initiatives, resources for educators, and parental/family involvement tips.
• Rethinking Schools -- where you can find information, resources, and links devoted to transforming education.
• The Smithsonian -- access every museum and research center affiliated with The Smithsonian.
• PATHWAYS to School Improvement -- the North Central Regional Educational Laboratory's (NCREL) comprehensive resource on school improvement information from assessment to professional development and everything in between.
• Education World -- a free educator's resource and Internet search engine with more than 50,000 links to education-related sites.
• Iowa Department of Education -- a handy reference for public education plus lots of related links.

Technology and Curriculum

• Make a wish--Now every teacher has the power to fund their technology needs. Teachers who register and submit a lesson plan will automatically qualify for 43 new technology grants from Olympus and Tool Factory, including a Mobile Digital Camera Lab. 
• Gateway to Educational Materials--The NEA has partnered with the GEM Exchange, Gateway to Educational Materials, and JES & Co to support "Gateway to 21st Century Skills," a Web site that combines state-of-the-art search technologies and a complete database of state academic standards for core subjects. The Gateway also enables you to collaborate with other educators on each of the catalogued resources.
• Discovery Education--Google is much more than a search engine. Google for Educators contains teachers' guides for their top 12 products including basic information on each tool, examples of how educators are using them, and lesson ideas. You'll also find lesson plans and videos from Google partners at Discovery Education.
• webTeacher -- Whether you are a novice or a computer expert, webTeacher gives you the training you need to master the Web.
• Copyright and Fair Use --information and links to various copyright and fair use resources.
• Education Place -- a free, online resource designed to help teachers in grades K-8 navigate the Internet and to integrate its vast resources into existing curricula.
• Instructional Technology --excellent resources, with a link to the Florida Information Resource Network.
• Classroom Connect -- a terrific newsletter for teachers who want to integrate the Internet and technology into their classroom activities.
• FromNowOn -- the Educational Technology Journal published online by Jamie McKenzie.
• Iowa Database --information and updates on Star Schools projects, the Iowa Communications Network (ICN), and educational programming on public television.
• The Well-Connected Educator --a forum for teachers interested in the use of educational technology. Be sure to check out the "what's new" and "writer's forum."

Science

• Energy Hog encourages conservation--The Alliance to Save Energy's Energy Hog makes learning about energy fun! Free lesson plans, activities, and games-or maybe even a visit from a real live Energy Hog-are available to help educators teach good energy habits. 
• Environmental education resources--Iowa State University Extension has created a one-stop shop for the environmental educator. Get the latest news, curriculum, grant plans, and workshop information.
• Discovery Channel Science Resources--Go to the Discovery Channel Web site to find lesson plans, activities, worksheets, teaching tools, Web links, and the Discovery Channel TV schedule, as well as materials for purchase. It also has resources, such as a homework helper section, for students.
• ProjectConnect--Project Connect offers seven online games related to math and science that center around the communications industry. Students can learn about concepts including fiber optic technology, GPS satellites, cell phone systems, and e-mail. User and teacher guides are also available.
• The Exploratorium -- an online visit to a hands-on, interactive science museum in San Francisco.
• The Froggy Page -- one of the most popular sites on the web, especially for frog lovers!
• Cells Alive -- a learning resource for microbiology and a site for any level to witness videos of cells in action.
• Tyrannosaurus Rex -- visit Berkeley's wonderful T-Rex exhibit!
• Science Learning Network -- offers unique resources to help K-8 teachers tap into the enormous potential of the Internet to support inquiry-based scienice.
• How Things Fly --links to hundreds of major aviation-related sites from the National Air and Space Museum.
• The Nine Planets -- a mini-encyclopedia of our solar system.
• The Discovery Channel -- current information on topics of interest to children including ongoing collaborative projects.
• NASA Home Page -- an amazing amount of information from earth science to space science.
• WINDandSEA -- an oceanic and atmospheric sciences internet locator with direct links to more than 750 selected sites.

Math

• ProjectConnect--Project Connect offers seven online games related to math and science that center around the communications industry. Students can learn about concepts including fiber optic technology, GPS satellites, cell phone systems, and e-mail. User and teacher guides are also available.
• Geometry Center -- a mathematics reserach and education center at the University of Minnesota.
• The Math Forum --connections to losts of great teaching resources for K-12 educators.
• Mathematics Archives -- extensive connections to math resources for K-12 teachers and students.
• Ask Dr. Math -- geared toward students, this is a great site for math teachers everywhere to become familiar with.

Music

• SOLERO -- get playable, printable sheet music via the Internet.
• Music Education Online -- a wealth of information for music educators.

Language Arts and Literature

• Teacher-Tested Reading Resources--Developed by an educator and NEA members, this Web site features free reading resources for parents and teachers. Included are 126 gifted and talented projects, writing ideas, vocabulary lists, strategies, and more. Opportunities for interaction are also provided.
• The Complete Works of William Shakespeare -- students and teachers alike can find any work of Shakespeare they like!
• BookWire Reading Room -- electronic books, author information, and book awards.
• Children's Literature Web Guide -- a well-maintained site containing many links to other sites.
• Kid News -- a news service for K-12 students and teachers around the world.
• KID PUB -- a site which publishes student writing from all over the world.
• MidLink -- an electronic magazine for middle school projects including a place to publish student work.
• Online Books Page --links to thousands of online books and other resources for high school students.

The Arts

• ArtsEdge -- a great resource, complete with links.
• Dance Directory -- a directory of resources for all types of dance information.
• The Kennedy Center's Artsedge -- a unique opportunity for teachers to share lesson plans, learn about education news, and follow links to other Internet recourses.
• Le WebLouvre -- More than 200 artists, each major period in art history--it's all here.

Government/Social Studies

• Where's Lou Henry Hoover? --The Hoover Presidential Library & Museum has created a new Web game, "Lou Henry Hoover's Cross-Country Adventure," to help teach grade schoolers about American history. Students travel across the country by answering trivia questions based on National Social Studies Thematic Strands.
• The White House -- Everything you could possibly want to know about the president, government documents, and the latest government news is here.
• American Studies Web -- social sciences servers from the virtual library and links to leading information facilities.
• Electronic Embassies -- Links to embassies from around the world that are located in Washington, DC.
• THOMAS -- full-text access to federal legislation plus lots of useful links.

GOT A COOL WEB SITE TO SHARE? Email us the URL plus a brief description of the site.

For more great resources, visit the NEA.

The ISEA's Career Development, Performance Review, and Intensive Assistance for Career Teachers provides a model for teacher individual career development plans, the summative evaluations for veteran teachers called performance reviews, and an intensive assistance process called for in the Teacher Quality Law.

This model provides a design that meets the requirements of Iowa law and can be meaningful and valuable for both teachers and evaluators. The document includes relevant excerpts from Iowa statute; guiding principles of the model; then detailed models for individual career development plans, performance reviews, and intensive assistance; suggestions for implementing the process; and an appendix of information and forms.

The model was created by a team of ISEA staff and input into the model was provided by a variety of sources including ISEA members and staff, practicing administrators, Iowa Department of Education staff, leaders from School Administrators of Iowa and others. Three nationally-recognized experts provided input also - Charlotte Danielson, Dr. Tom McGreal, and Dr. Beverly Showers.

For more information, contact your ISEA UniServ office or ISEA Teaching and Learning Specialist, David Wilkinson by phone at (515) 471-8054 or via e-mail at dwilkinson@isea.org.

Download a copy now (pdf)

• NEA Grants
• Iowa Department of Education
• AAUW
• Star Schools
• Grantionary
  The Grantionary is a list of grant-related terms and their definitions.
• GrantsAlert
  GrantsAlert is a website that helps nonprofits, especially those involved in education, secure the funds they need to continue their important work.
• Grant Writing Tips
  SchoolGrants has compiled an excellent set of grant writing tips for those who need help in developing grant proposals.
• FastWEB
  FastWEB is the largest online scholarship search available, with 600,000 scholarships representing over one billion in scholarship dollars. It provides students with accurate, regularly updated information on scholarships, grants, and fellowships suited to their goals and qualifications, all at no cost to the student. Students should be advised that FastWEB collects and sells student information (such as name, address, e-mail address, date of birth, gender, and country of citizenship) collected through their site.
• Federal Resources for Educational Excellence (FREE)
  More than 30 Federal agencies formed a working group in 1997 to make hundreds of federally supported teaching and learning resources easier to find. The result of that work is the FREE website.
• Fundsnet Online Services
  A comprehensive website dedicated to providing nonprofit organizations, colleges, and Universities with information on financial resources available on the Internet.
• eSchool News School Funding Center
  Information on up-to-the-minute grant programs, funding sources, and technology funding.
• Philanthropy News Digest
  Philanthropy News Digest, a weekly news service of the Foundation Center, is a compendium, in digest form, of philanthropy-related articles and features culled from print and electronic media outlets nationwide.
• School Grants
  A collection of resources and tips to help K-12 educators apply for and obtain special grants for a variety of projects.
• eSchool News
  eSchool News offers up-to-the-minute information on grant programs, funding sources, and technology funding.
• NEA Foundation Grants
  The NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education (NFIE) now offers its Innovation and Learning and Leadership Grants on an ongoing, year-round basis. Over 300 grants of $1,000 to $3,000 are awarded each year to fund your BIG ideas. Applications may be submitted at any time, so why wait? All applications are peer reviewed, and notification of grants awarded is sent within seven months of submission. Grants fund activities for 12 months from date of the award. Remember, small grants lead to BIG change.

The ISEA has produced and is distributing a new approach to teaching Iowa History. Shining Stars and Everyday Heroes is a two-CD kit developed by Randy Lyon, a long-time member and Association leader from Dubuque. This innovative teaching tool is student-focused and is designed to foster a passion for history based on the individual student's interests. Included are:

• A thematic group of units which can be used in any order
• A one-of-a-kind CD encyclopedia of Iowa history containing nearly 6,000 entries and almost 2,000 photographs
• Lesson plans for daily oral language skill practice using Iowa history
• Lesson plans for using Iowa history to teach graphing, map reading, use of reference tools
• Lesson plans that develop writing skills
• Lesson plans that develop interest and appreciation of the architectural heritage present in our Iowa communities
• Daily historical event calendars from Iowa and the United States
• A deck of card and a game similar to "Fish" to introduce 25 figures from Iowa history

The CD kit is available to ISEA members at the special rate of $5; the cost to non-members is $10. Click here to download an order form.

Summer professional development conference

Thanks to NEA sponsorship, Association members can attend the National Staff Development Council's (NSDC) 2008 summer conference on teacher leadership at a discounted rate. The conference, which is scheduled for July 13-16 in Orlando, Florida, is designed to provide educators with valuable tools to bring the most powerful forms of professional learning to all the teachers with whom they work. www.nsdc.org/conferenceSummer08/overview/schedule.cfm

Fulbright teacher exchange

The U.S. Department of State-sponsored Fulbright Teacher Exchange arranges direct, one-to-one international exchanges to many countries for K-12 teachers and community college faculty of all subject areas. The program involves a year, semester, or six-week exchanges with a counterpart in another country teaching the same subjects at the same level. The application deadline for the 2009-10 academic year is Oct. 15, 2008. www.fulbrightexchanges.org

Member discount for CEC programs

Through a collaborative arrangement with the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), Association members can now participate in CEC professional development sessions at the CEC member-discounted price. These convenient and interactive 90-minute sessions require a speaker phone, a computer, and a high-speed Internet connection. Go to www.cec.sped.org and click on the "professional development" tab to see program offerings. To receive the NEA member discount, indicate this code: 08P-DNE.

Samsung Hope for Education program

Samsung, Microsoft, and DIRECTV are giving away more than $2 million in technology products, software, cash grants, and educational programming packages to 31 K-12 schools across the U.S. that lack funding to purchase the kind of technology necessary to keep their students competitive with the rest of the world. The program invites anyone who knows of a school in need to write a 100-word essay about the importance of technology in education. Deadline for entries is 11:59 p.m. ET on Aug. 31. http://pages.samsung.com/us/hopeforeducation/index.html

Attention new teachers and mentors

The fifth annual Iowa Mentoring and Induction Institute will be held June 18-20 at the Park Place Event Centre in Cedar Falls. In addition to noted guest speakers and presenters, the event will also showcase Iowa mentoring and induction initiatives. It is sponsored by the ISEA, Iowa Department of Education, University of Northern Iowa, and Mildred Middleton. www.vpaf.uni.edu/events/mentor

Summer TeacherLine courses offered

Why not take advantage of top-notch, relevant, online professional development courses this summer at your own pace, in your own space? PBS TeacherLine provides online professional development through facilitated courses, a supportive learning community, and exemplary professional resources. The courses are available to all Iowa teachers who may enroll through Northwest AEA, Heartland AEA, Green Valley AEA, Grant Wood AEA, or Prairie Lakes AEA. PBS TeacherLine courses are offered for two professional development credits or two graduate credits for an additional fee. www.iptv.org/teacherline

Grants geared toward science and math teaching

Toshiba America Foundation grants support inquiry-based projects designed by individual teachers and small teams of teachers for use in their own classrooms to improve teaching and learning in science and mathematics. Classroom teachers must be involved in planning projects and be ready to initiate projects upon receipt of funds. Grants can cover any subject area in science and mathematics, but be sure to review the list of exclusions. The large grant cycle (awards of $5,000 and more) for grades 7-12 is now active. The deadline to apply is August 1, 2008. www.toshiba.com/tafpub/jsp/home/default.jsp

Project offers diversity resources

The Respect for All Project offers a comprehensive set of resources to help educators talk openly about diversity in all of its forms. In addition to providing award-winning documentary films and curriculum guides, the Project also conducts comprehensive professional development workshops including a recent session at the ISEA Summer Conference. ISEA members can receive 20 percent off the cost of films and guides on orders received via the Web site. Go to www.respectforall.org and enter promo code DM2K7N.
Grants to increase understanding of humanities

Free online personal finance seminars

Take advantage of a new series of free online financial seminars from NEA Member Benefits available whenever you are. Investing in Your Future includes five courses covering key issues of financial planning. www.neamb.com .  

Online professional development courses

This summer, you can hone your professional skills at your own pace in your own space with PBS TeacherLine courses. The courses are facilitated by experienced online educators who are knowledgeable about both the subject matter and how to engage online learners. www.iptv.org .

Cedar Rapids museum launches new exhibits

The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art (CRMA) has opened a new exhibition, "Hidden Treasure: Original Children's Book Illustration from the Cedar Rapids Public Library" to accompany another new exhibition, "The Young and the Restless: Children in Art." Throughout the run of the exhibitions, kids can also go on a treasure hunt through the Museum galleries. For more information, visit www.crma.org or call 319-366-7503.

MidAmerican Energy offers free materials

As part of its Energy for Education program, MidAmerican Energy Company is offering free educational materials to educators teaching grades three through six. Included is an Energy Efficiency World activity book that includes engaging activities and experiments related to everyday energy-efficiency practices. An online teacher's guide is also available to provide background information, puzzle answers, and directions for the experiments.

The booklets are also available in Spanish. To request your materials, go to www.midamericanenergy.com; select "Safety;" select "Education Programs;" and select "Classroom Materials." For more information, contact Donna Backstrom at 563-333-8617 or e-mail djbackstrom@midamerican.com .

Share ideas online with Apple

Apple has developed an online educational environment to facilitate the interchange of ideas among teachers, education leaders, visionaries, and innovators. The Learning Interchange provides the vehicle for reflective discussion of contemporary education practices through a network of organizations dedicated to improvement. A museum of online exhibits, created by educators for educators, showcases authentic teaching practices, leadership practices, virtual field trips, and educational events, all with media-based resources. Check it out at http://ali.apple.com/ .

Anti-bullying campaign

NEA Health Information Network has joined with the US Department of Health and Human Services on a new program designed to curb bullying. Called "15+ Make Time To Listen, Take Time To Talk . . .About Bullying," the program is a multi-media initiative designed to provide practical guidance to parents and caregivers about how to create time to listen and take time to talk with their children. The campaign is based on the premise that parents who talk with their children for at least 15 minutes or more each day about what is happening in their children's lives are better able to guide their children toward more positive, skill-enhancing activities and friendships.

To help support the campaign the NEA has linked its "Can We Talk?" program on Bullying and Violence with the new campaign Web site. "Can We Talk?" is a parent education program that begins to bridge the gulf that often exists between schools, parents and their children around difficult topics related to sexuality and health. For information and free support materials, visit www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/15plus or go to www.canwetalk.org .

Guides to free Internet resources available

Thousands of educational resources can be accessed via the Internet with just a click of a mouse--if you only knew where to find them! Now there is a way -- the "Educators Guide to Free Internet Resources" is available in both an elementary/middle school and secondary version. There is a fee for each version, but both are available on a 15-day free trial basis. For more information and special discounts, visit www.freeteachingaids.com or call Educators Progress Service, Inc. at 888-951-4469.

Rainforest Alliance hosts learning site

The Rainforest Alliance has launched a new web-based curriculum designed to teach children science fundamentals by introducing them to the Alliance's on-the-ground conservation projects.

Kindergarten through sixth-grade teachers can log on to the site for complete lesson plans, stories, presentations, and background descriptions of species and projects. Additional supplemental materials will also be available, and all information is free. For more information, visit www.rainforest-alliance.org .  

Spanish-language site aids reading

Reading Rockets has launched a Web site designed specifically for Spanish-speaking parents to help their children learn to read and succeed.

The bilingual site is for parents of children between infancy and age nine. It includes simple, powerful ways to help students succeed, including fun reading tips and activities, recommended books, and more. For more information, visit www.ColorinColorado.org.

New Web library features technology innovations

A partnership of professors from eight Big 12 universities have developed a repository that allows innovative teachers to share their technology success stories with their fellow teachers across the nation.

The Technology Integration Case Library houses more than 800 successful, classroom-tested, technology-rich teaching strategies. Each story comes complete with ideas for lessons, a rationale for using the technology, pitfalls, and friendly advice for first timers. New stories are being added daily.

To access the information, which is provided free of charge, visit http//:kite.missouri.edu.

Web site helps teachers address voice problems

Teachers are 32 times more likely than people in other professions to have voice disorders, but a new Web site launched by the University of Iowa Department of Speech pathology and Audiology can help. The site, located at www.voiceacademy.org , is a set of virtual classrooms, including a "Science Center," where teachers can learn about voice research, and a "Gymnasium" that provides voice health tips. The project, done in conjunction with the National Center for Voice and Speech, is funded by a grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.

Club Invention offers after-school program

Responding to the growing need for after-school enrichment programs, Camp Invention, the nationally recognized science and creativity summer day camp, has introduced Club Invention for grades two through six. Launched at schools nationwide, the program fosters creativity, teamwork, inventive thinking skills, and science literacy. There is no cost to run Club Invention -- all materials, curriculum, and training are provided. For more information, call 1-800-968-4332 or visit www.clubinvention.org.

Research on language, diversity

The Center for Research on Education, Diversity, and Excellence (CREDE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving education for preK-12 grade students placed at risk by factors of linguistic or cultural diversity, economics, or geography. It conducts research projects and produces practioner briefs. The publications, along with research briefs, ERIC digests, research reports, and other resources are available online at www.crede.ucsc.edu.

Classroom Poetry Kit

April is National Poetry Month and HarperCollins has prepared a special free Classroom Poetry Kit based on Where the Sidewalk Ends and other cherished Shel Silverstein books. To order the free kit, call 1-800-331-3761 or visit www.harperchildrens.com/hch/fiction/features/poetry/shel/.

National Issues Forums

The National Issues Forums (NIF) Institute has developed a free kit to help high school social studies and language arts teachers conduct forums with students on such topics as youth violence, terrorism, affirmative action, and racial/ethnic tensions. Included are an introductory video, a teacher's guide, and reproducible student handouts as well as step-by-step instructions on the forum process. The ISEA, along with other state organizations, works with the NIF and the Kettering Foundation to support community conversations and deliberation. For more information or to receive a kit, contact David Wilkinson, ISEA teaching and learning specialist, at ISEA headquarters or e-mail dwilkinson@isea.org.

Click here to view photos of the event

I am pleased to welcome you to this reception on behalf of Governor Culver, who will join us later. I also bring congratulations from ISEA President Linda Nelson who is home feeling under the weather. With us today is Kevin Fangman from the Iowa Department of Education. Kevin is the Administrator for the Division of PreK-12 Education.

Many don't understand the challenges of our profession. I recently read the following story that illustrates some of the challenges we often face.

Walking through the hallways at a middle school a teacher saw a new substitute teacher standing outside his classroom with his forehead against a locker. She heard him mutter, "How did you get yourself into this?"

Knowing that he was assigned to a difficult class, she tried to offer moral support.

"Are you okay?" "Can I help?" She asked.
 
He lifted his head and replied, "I'll be fine as soon as I get this kid out of his locker."
 
Congratulations from your colleagues and the 32,000 members of the ISEA on your achievement of National Board Certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

As a result of your work seeking certification, you have increased your ability to describe and analyze teaching. Many outsiders think this is easy. But our teaching circumstances vary so much because of the individuality of the students, the goals of the curriculum, the wishes of the school and community, the wider environment and happenings, our previous work with these students, and our relations with colleagues and bosses. As these all come together, a teacher makes many decisions and takes many actions, some planned ahead of time and some made during the process of teaching.  Some subtle, some obvious.

Over my many years in the profession in visiting with teachers about their teaching, most find it difficult to put in words why they made the choices and the actions they took. In this profession, we have so many decisions to make and so little time. As a result of several experiences, I have discovered that National Board Certified teachers are better able to analyze and converse about teaching. 
 
We realize what you have done to achieve this certification and recognition. You now understand the Architecture of Teaching and see how its simple approach describes this complex work called "teaching." Using the process and standards of the National Board, you have analyzed, evaluated, and reflected on your practice. You created videos of your teaching along with written portfolios that described your plans, intentions, actions and decision-making. You responded to the assessment center questions. You did so and met the exacting standards of the Board. The National Board process demanded that you take the time to seriously reflect on teaching practice.

Albert Schweitzer once said I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve. As a teacher you serve and you will be well-rewarded. Unfortunately, you are unlikely to become wealthy with money, but rich in relationships and memories (however we are working on the money part).

Albert Einstein said Intellectuals solve problems; geniuses prevent them. In that sense, teachers are geniuses; you work very hard to prevent problems before they occur.
 
Eric Hoffer captured well the importance of teaching when he said, In times of change, the learner will inherit the earth while the learned are beautifully equipped for a world that no longer exists. 
Alvin Toffler said, The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn. Marian Wright Edelman captures the importance of teaching when she says, We must not, in trying to think about how we can make a big difference, ignore the small daily differences we can make which, over time, add up to big differences that we often cannot foresee.  As teachers, we often encounter students later in life who describe an event from our classroom that we do not recall.

Former Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry said, Leadership is getting someone to do what they don't want to do, in order to achieve what they want to achieve. Isn't that a great description of what a teacher often does?

Thanks for being a teacher and educator. It is neither easy nor simple. It is important work for the future of our families, communities, the state and country. It is a great calling. Thanks also to the friends and families who support teachers and teaching.

I can only wish that you receive as much from teaching as you give as a teacher.
Please enjoy this formal opportunity to celebrate this significant achievement with colleagues, friends, and family in this beautiful, historical home.

The ISEA is hosting informational sessions via the ICN for persons interested in learning more about the National Board assessment process. Among the topics explored are how to apply, where to get financial help with the fee, what to expect during the process, and how the ISEA will support you as you go through the process. The sessions will be held on Thursday, Aug. 30, and Tuesday, Sept. 4, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the locations listed below. If you plan to attend one of the sessions, please RSVP by Aug. 28 to Kathy Bosovich. Be sure to scroll down to find materials you'll want to bring to the session.

National Board Certification is the highest credential in the teaching profession. It is a rigorous performance-based assessment that measures what a teacher knows and is able to do. Click here for more details.

TENTATIVE ICN SITES

Thursday, August 30, 2007
5:00 -- 6:30 p.m.

Sioux City: Central Campus Individual Learning Center, 11121 Jackson. St., Room 311
Marshalltown: AEA 267 Regional Office, 909 S. 12th St.
Estherville: Iowa Lakes Community College, 300 S. 18th St., Room 22, Library Building
Davenport: North High School, 626 W. 53rd St., Room 576
Johnston: Heartland AEA, 6500 Corporate Drive
Decorah: North Winneshiek Community School, 3495 North Winn Rd.
Waterloo: East High School, 214 High St.
Cedar Rapids: Kirkwood Community College, Linn Hall, Room 203B, 6301 Kirkwood Blvd.
Guttenburg-Clayton Ridge: Clayton Ridge High School, 131 S. River Park Drive

Tuesday, September 4, 2007
5:00 - 6:30 p.m.

Marshalltown:  AEA 267 Regional Office, 909 S. 12th St.
Dubuque: Keystone AEA, 2310 Chaney Rod, Room 2
Davenport: Eastern Iowa Community College District 1, Kahl Educational Center, Room 300, 326 West 3rd
Iowa City: Iowa City High School, 1900 Morningside Dr., Room 1001-1005
West Des Moines: Learning Resource Lab, 3550 George Mills Parkway, Room 132
Cedar Rapids: Grant Wood AEA, 4401 6th St., SW, Revere Room
Cedar Falls: AEA 267, 3712 Cedar Heights Dr.
Harlan: High School, 2102 Durant, Room 123
Sioux City: Northwest AEA 12, 1520 Morningside Ave., Room 206
Ames: High School, 20th & Ridgewood
Pleasantville: High School

To help you get the most from this session, please bring the following materials with you:

• Informational packet for 2007-08 (word document)
• Testimonials (word document)
• Affiliate support for NBC (word document)
• NBTC fees and financial support
• Architecture of Accomplished Teaching (pdf)
• Compensation chart by district (word document)
• NEA Member Benefits NBC Loan
• NBPTS scholarships
• Iowa NBPTS presentation (PowerPoint)
• ISEA's National Board support courses