 MTEA is on Facebook!
Look for the "Monroe Township Education Association" group on Facebook. This is a place to share ideas, communicate about what's going in the buildings, pass on information IN PRIVACY, and get to know other people in other buildings who...let's face it...might as well be working in China for all we get to actually see and meet each other. Jon Woodward is the administrator of the Facebook page.
Senate Votes for Changes to Pensions/Benefits
On February 22nd, the Senate voted 36-0 to institute changes to health and pension benefits. It's time to reach out to Assembly to ask them to oppose these bills. Check out the NJEA website to view all information and talking points. In addition, it might be helpful to remind Assemblywoman Riley that previous NJEA members fought for HER benefits, something that Senator Jim Whelan seems to have forgotten.
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Recent Political Developments Affecting NJEA Members
On Jan. 25, Senate President Steve Sweeney issued a statement announcing his intention to seek "swift action" on a package of changes to pensions and benefits. While no specific bills have yet been introduced, we expect that to happen quickly, perhaps as early as next week. More
GCEA Overnight Workshop
The GCEA is holding an Overnight Workshop in the Atlantic City Sheraton on April 23rd and 24th. There are 8 spots reserved for Members of the MTEA. If you would like an application to attend please contact Paul VanHouten ASAP.
This is similar to the NJEA Winter Leadership that just took place. There is a cost of $50 per person. We are looking for people who want to take on a Larger Leadership role in Our Local Union.
Negotiations Update
Our mediator who was scheduled to be present on February 2nd was unable to attend due to medical reasons. Since your Negotiationšs Team is determined and committed to reach a
settlement for its members, we decided to meet with the Board. This was an effort to keep communication going and to move forward with major issues that are still on the table.
Our Action Team organized a great rally to support the team's efforts. Over 150 members showed their support and cheered the Negotiationšs Team as they entered the meeting. Thank you to everyone who helped and planned this successful event.
The team met for about three hours but unfortunately a settlement was not reached. We are now waiting for new dates from the mediator in order to move forward. The MTEA Negotiations Team appreciates your continued support in this difficult process. We will continue to keep you informed.
Negotiations Process
President's Message
Dear Members,
Happy New Year! Speaking of new, all MTEA members will be getting New Insurance cards. This is for Medical Insurance only. We are still in Aetna. All co-pays and rules stay the same. If you are PPO or POS you stay the same. There will be a meeting after the new cards are given out. You must show the new cards to your doctors. They have new group numbers. Each member will get two cards. The change over will be effective Feb.1, 2010.
The action team has asked everyone to wear black on Fridays along with the buttons. This will be a show of unity. The MTEA is following the legal steps to negotiation and is negotiating in good faith. Unless you get a notice from the Action Chair,
Ann Marchesani or an MTEA officers it is not a sanctioned MTEA/NJEA job action. The MTEA would never risk a persons job or money to make a point. Any questions about the process please contact myself or Brad McQuillian.
Check out the Legislative Update link on the left for important issues that could use your support.
Thank you,
Paul VanHouten
MTEA President
http://www.monroetwpea.org
http://www.njea.org
NJEA Summer Leadership Leadership
The annual NJEA Winter Leadership Conference August. If you think you would like to take a more active role in your profession, this is the type of training you will need. There is more information on the NJEA website. There is a form that needs to be filled out and returned to Paul VanHouten.
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 Pay Dates 2009-2010
| September 11, 25 |
February 12, 26 |
| October 9, 23 |
March 12, 26 |
| November 3, 20 |
April 9, 23 |
| December 4, 18, 23 |
May 7, 21 |
| January 15, 29 |
June 4, 18 |
MTEA/ NJEA Workshops and PD
Please view calendar page for complete list of workshops. All memebers should RSVP to Rita Bell, rbell@monroetwp.k12.nj.us for all workshops. If any fees are associated with a workshop/ gathering please turn it in to your Building AR.
February 24 - Succeeding With Difficult Students
RSVP by 2/10 with dinner selection.
Professional Development hours given.
Soup: Chicken Orzo Salad: Caeser
Select One: Prime Rib, Crab Cakes, Stuffed Chicken Breast
Dessert: Chocolate Mousse Cake
No RSVP's for this workshop will be accepted after 2/10.
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April 28 - Kaleidoscope of Learning Styles
Learning Strategies
RSVP by 4/14 with dinner selection
Professional Development hours given.
Select One Flat Iron Steak, Salmon, Stuffed Chicken Breast
No RSVP's for this workshop will be accepted after 4/28.
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2009-2010 BOE Appointments and Schedule
Please find the links below for the 2009-2010 Board of Education Meeting Schedule and the 2009-2010 BOE Committee Appointments. Additional special meetings will be posted on the Monroe Twp. Public School Website.
Schedule
2009-2010 BOE Committees
 Healthcare Assistance with Mentor Support
Working in cooperation with our Union, HCAMS, offers services to deal with many personal issues. This is a confidential program that is available 24 hours a day- everyday. Your single point contact for member assistance is 1-888-828-7826. Poster Newsletter
Changes to Highly Qualified Requirements
There has been a change to the highly qualified requirements for 5th general education and special education teachers. Effective immediately, all 5th grade teachers may meet highly qualified teacher requirements as elementary generalists, whether 5th grade is self-contained or departmentalized. Also, it can be housed in either an elementary or middle school. Those teachers who have already achieved highly qualified status to teach grade five maintain that status. More
Drexel University Online
NJEA has a new partnership for Professional Development with Drexel University Online. Employees and immediate family members are entitled to receive a 10 - 30 % tuition reduction on Drexel's bachelor's, master's and certificate programs. Please contact 1-215-895-0916 or visit www.drexel.com/njea
 GCEA Contact Information
Contact the GCEA office by calling 856-853-6673 or emailing
mail@gloucestercountyed.org. The GCEA office is located at, 335 Glassboro Road, Woodbury Heights, NJ 08097. Check out important information from GCEA on their website: http://www.gloucestercountyed.org.
Health And Safety
Any member that has a concern about the construction please contact your AR and they will contact the principal.
If it is an emergency please email your principal and copy Paul VanHouten.
Know Your Building Association Reps.
| Oak Knoll |
Brad McQuillan
Beth Lathrop
Mark Camardo |
| Holly Glen |
Patty Skalka
Donna Grabbe
Matt O'Toole
Rhonda McCoy |
| Whitehall |
Diana Conklin
Christine Foley |
| Radix |
Cathy Monahan
Lori Catania
Julie Bruce |
| Middle School |
Trish Diaz
Sarah Johnson
Ann Marie Reber
Stephen Balaity |
| High School |
John Coulton
Gerald Votta
Mary Beth Hobbs |
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 2008-2009 Teacher of the Year
Please join the Administration and School Board Members as we congratulate the following dedicated teachers for being recognized by their students and peers for their outstanding achievement. The recipients of the Gloucester County Teacher Recognition Program for the 2008-2009 school year are:
| Margaret Centrone |
Williamstown High School |
| Richard Goodman |
Williamstown Middle School |
| Kimberly Jezak |
Holly Glen Elementary School |
| Joni Peterson |
Oak Knoll Elementary School |
| Susan Muller |
Radix Elementary School |
| Dina Deveney |
Whitehall Elementary School |
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Development
Safety
in the Workplace
