A Message from Katie Stanton

President, SCEA

        This is going to be an exciting year for SCEA and our members. We are welcoming our new ESP members for the first time and we are all so glad to have them join our ranks. It is wonderful that all of us who educate the children in public schools in Shelby County can now join together with one voice to accomplish much for our students and our educators.

         SCEA Board of Directors meets once a month to discuss issues important to our members. Each member has a Board member who represents his/her school as well as the four officers, 2 at large members. The TEA Board member also attends the Board meeting but does not have a vote.

         SCEA is very fortunate to have active Association Representatives in each school who are working hard for the benefit of our members. They attend a monthly AR meeting as well as representing our members whenever it is necessary. All members should get to know their ARs.

           The many SCEA Committee members are also working hard for our members in many varied areas such as professional development, educator benefits, and political action. All SCEA members are encouraged to participate in the committees work.  

         SCEA is our members' and we all need to work together for the benefit of our students and our employees. Together we can accomplish so much.  

         SCEA also works very closely with TEA, especially in the 60, 80, 90 campaign. The 60 represents an increase of the retirement from 48% of the average of your five highest salaries to 60% of this average. The 80 is a campaign to increase the amount paid by the state of employee's health insurance from 45% to 80%, based on the state health insurance plan. The 90 represents increasing the Tennessee average teacher's salary to 90% of the national teachers' average salary. We all need to work together to accomplish these goals. Each member can join the TEA G-R-E-A-T Team to get current legislative updates about the progress of the 60/80/90 Campaign. From your HOME COMPUTER, go to the TEA web site, teateachers.org, click on the Information Center, then the Legislative Action, then on Join the G-R-E-A-T Team and follow the directions. You then can easily email your legislators in support of these goals in a timely manner.  Be sure to only use your home computer and NOT your Shelby County School computer or internet connection. Together we can accomplish 60 80 90.

         NEA is probably the largest democratic organization you will ever belong to. SCEA sends delegates every year to the NEA Representative Assembly where all decision concerning policy and direction of NEA are made. Each SCEA member votes for the representatives that will attend this RA and they go to represent you. NEA is the strongest advocate for public education in the United States.

         As president of SCEA I welcome your membership and involvement in SCEA, TEA, and NEA to ensure the best possible public education system for our students and employees.

You may e-mail Barbara Gray with comments and/or questions at sceapres@bellsouth.net  \

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