 Nori Burkhardt English Teacher Talbot, TCEA  |
I, yet again, did not walk away with $1000 or any prize for that matter
10/18/08 - 4 p.m.
So it's over and I have some good news and some bad news. I'll start with the good-the RA went quickly with only a little argument. The bad-I, yet again, did not walk away with $1000 or any prize for that matter.
Overall, I'm exhausted and I can't wait to see my little girl. I almost feel guilty for missing this time with her, but I know that it was time well spent and that we accomplished something for the greater good over these two days. Maybe next year I'll take advantage of the childcare and bring her with me.
See you next year,
Nori
A new more inclusive organization has been born
10/18/08 - 11 a.m.
It has taken a few years of slow persuasion, but a major change is now officially among us. Beginning next school year, MSTA as we currently know it will cease to be—in its place a new more inclusive organization has been born—The Maryland State Education Association. Thank goodness! For too long a significant population of our members have felt excluded by the umbrella of teacher. One of the speakers against the motion made a comment that really stuck with me—we are all teachers. This statement is true in her intention, but misguided in her interpretation. To be a teacher is a conscious career decision. To be an educator is the nature of life. They are not synonymous.
And on that note… off I go to hear the panel on drop-out prevention strategies.
See you at the end of the convention.
Toodles.
Seacrets was amazing as usual.
10/18/08 - 9 a.m.
Good morning everyone. I’m doing a pretty good job of impersonating a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed delegate this morning. I awoke this morning with the alarm at five and hugged the snooze button until about quarter to six, when I finally dragged myself out of bed. I didn’t get back to my room until about one-thirty this morning. Thank you Lori for making our caucus run so smoothly. I’m not sure I could have quietly handled much discussion/arguing this morning. I do not envy your position—I’m perfectly happy to be an official blogger (less responsibility and more snacks!).
Seacrets was amazing as usual. I definitely ate my money’s worth—crab pizza, bacon wrapped scallops, prime rib, jerked chicken, pasta. Yummers! I didn’t spend too much time on the dance floor this (my hubby’s not much of a dancer) but I got a few moves in. I’m so thankful that my husband drove all the way up to spend some time with me (and not yell at me for all the money I spent at the outlets yesterday afternoon). Such a sweetie.
After leaving Seacrets last night, I went back to the hotel lounge and played pool with some of my fellow delegates and friends. Note to the person that has “found” (*cough, cough…stole*) a jean jacket. Um…yeah it’s mine, may I have it back? The major discovery of the evening: I’m wicked good at PhotoHunt, not so much at pool.
It is Time for a Change!
10/17/08 - 1 p.m.
While David Helfman wasn’t throwing bread this year (who can afford to waste money on that anymore?!), he was offering to shave his head—all in the name of fundraising. David, let me just tell you that my former principal did that once and his hair never grew back~~~spooky. Don’t let it happen to you.
Today delegates had the opportunity to hear from several guest speakers: Governor Martin O’ Malley, NEA President Dennis Van Roeckel, and Frank Kratovil. While all of their speeches were part-campaigning and part-‘preaching to the masses’, the message was overwhelming—IT IS TIME FOR A CHANGE! I heard some rallies for Obama, but more importantly, I heard rallies for policy change. What can we as educators do to keep our students in school and keep them successful? What can we do to make sure that we our answers to student needs are heard y policymakers?
So anyways, Seacrets tonight!!!! I’m excited. My husband is coming tonight from home and it’s become a little tradition. We go to Seacrets, eat, drink and be merry, and then go hit the putt-putt course.
At least when I get back to school on Monday and everyone asks what I did this weekend, I’ll have something to share. :?)
And so another year begins...
10/17/08 - 10 a.m.
And so another year begins. My roommate Patricia and I came in last night. With her driving, I am lucky to be here (JK, Patricia!). Last night we broke the normal tradition of going to the President’s Reception and went to bingo at the American Legion. I regret that decision—with the reception the winning is guaranteed.
The 7 a.m. caucus came a little too early for my liking, but thankfully business went quickly and we ended early. Although there was little discussion in our caucus, I have a feeling that the two new resolutions currently on the table are going to be hot-button issues. One proposal is to add two new member-at-large positions on the MSTA Board of Directors. I don’t see the big issue but I heard rumblings about the cost implications. Maybe I’ll run for of those… just a thought.
Déjà vu! The MSTA/MSEA name change battle is back but with notably less steam than in the past. While the membership was divided, our caucus did decide to support the proposal. To me, the choice is simple—we need to be a voice in name and action for ALL of our members. Several of our members aren’t teachers and our organization needs to evolve to acknowledge and respect that.
Okay—the first business session has already started, so off I go.
