The Advocate
October 2015
Getting Help from WFEA
If you have a concern or question about your working conditions or a request being made of you at work, don’t hesitate to contact WFEA for help and advice. The first step is to talk to your building rep or an executive board member. That person will either answer your question or direct you to our member rights board members, Tammy Shaw (FCS at the middle school) or Mark Berntson (high school music department) If you are uncomfortable taking it up with your building level reps, feel free to contact Mark or Tammy Shaw directly. When you are ready to talk to Mark or Tammy, your first step will be to set up a time when you can explain your situation. This can be started through e-mail, and the message can be as simple as “Please call me at this number at 4:00.” They will listen to your concern, give you an answer if possible, and direct you to NDU staff if more help is needed.
If you have a concern about a working condition that affects a large number of members, another way to get an issue heard is to pass it along to our president, Lisa K. Dullum, who will take the topic to the Advisory Communications Panel. This panel is made up of the superintendent, school board president, and WFEA president. Our negotiated agreement requires that they meet at least 3 times a year (more than 3 is possible). The Advisory Communications Panel replaces the larger communications panel that we had for a number of years.
It’s Not Too Late – NDU Instructional Conference at Liberty Middle School
It’s not too late to register for the NDU Instructional Conference at our own Liberty Middle School. You can attend on Thursday, Oct. 21, Friday, Oct. 22, or both days. Registration is easy – just click on http://ndunited.org/calendar/2015-instructional-conference/
Attend as many or as few sessions as you like, and it’s FREE (with continental breakfasts and lunch included). Invite a non-member for $50 and introduce them to all the things NDU offers.
Issues in Education Class
Do you need one credit and an opportunity to learn more about current education issues? The Issues in Education class will be starting on Thursday, October 29 at West Fargo High School. You will be required to attend 15 hours of class and submit a reflection journal. Hours can include attendance at guest speaker sessions, rep assembly meetings, school board meetings, and the NDU state instructional conference. The cost will be $50 and credit is pending. More detailed information will be coming out soon. Contact Lisa K. Dullum or Christopher Strand with questions.
Member Social Coming
Watch for information about a member social being planned for Tuesday evening, November 10 (the night before Veterans Day – a day off for us). There will be food, fun, and time to socialize with other members
That’s it for now. WFEA is 700 members strong! Thanks for being one of them!