Jacqui Greadington, EOEA President
December 2018
KUDOS TO EOEA MEMBER BONNIE TAYLOR!!!!!
STEM Academy was highlighted on the NJEA Website for opening a hydroponics lab. STEM teacher Bonnie Taylor stated that“Hydroponics incorporates many of the STEM disciplines year-round. For instance, students use engineering to build the ecosystem, chemistry to regulate plant ‘PH kevels’ and math and science practices to design and implement experiments on plants”. You can view the entire story by going to https://www.njea.org/students-at-stem-academy-move-to-21st-century-farming/. Great job Bonnie, you make us all proud!!!
BOOK STUDY
I met with Dr. Dana Walker on November 27 to discuss the Book Study assignment. After receiving the result of our survey, it was clearthat members needed TIME to complete this project. The FAQ document is clear that “time” should be provided.
Another issue that has come up is in reference to Domain 4. It is interesting how far we have yet to come. Some principals are stating that a lack of participation will affect Domain 4. This is and was not the intent. The FAQ clearly states how this project will be monitored and the impact of non-participation.
Please contact the EOEA office immediately if you are experiencing problems regarding the book study. We plan to send out another survey to monitor if you are receiving time to perform this task if you choose to.
OBSERVATIONS
It is extremely important that you monitor and report timeline and procedural violations of the observation process. Timelines are set bythe state and can’t be changed. Don’t think that a problem will simply go away, they won’t. It is important for you to write a rebuttal within 10 days if there items that you disagree with.
Some of the problems that have been consistently reported follow:
I did not have a pre-conference: Everyone MUST have an individual pre-conference and post conference. This can’t be done in a staff meeting or group setting.
I did not have a copy of my observation when I had my post conference: The evaluator MUST provide you with a copy at your post conference meeting.
I am on a CAP but have not been observed: Absolutely unacceptable. We have won grievances against evaluators who did not observe the teacher on CAP the entire year the CAP was in force. The CAP and all references to the CAP were rescinded. Additionally, the evaluator must provide you with ASSISTANCE for improvement while on a CAP.
My observation was not posted on Frontline. The observation Frontline is different from the one I saw. My observation was closed, and I can’t rebut. Once again, this is unacceptable.
I met with Dr. Harvest regarding the entire process and the problems that have been reported. She agrees that these things are NOT acceptable and advises that you send an email to your evaluator outlining any of these problems. I further recommend that you cc: us ateoea@aol.com as well. We will be surveying members on the process. Please respond quickly and truthfully. We can’t help if we don’tknow.
WISHING YOU AND YOURS A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON