Tacoma Specialists
news & updates
September 2020 Vol. 15 View previous issues 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
Speak Up for SPECIALISTS NOW!



We're changing gears!
Newsletter information, articles, and more can now be found at






This shift will help keep the channels of communication open and streamline the process for the editors.

We will be updating as information becomes available and schedules allow. We've changed tools, but continue to advocate for working conditions which allow for the safety of staff and students, high quality instruction, equitable workloads for staff and equitable access to instruction for students.
Check in often as we build this resource. Newsletters will continue, but will be more streamlined and this will be the place where the information and resources we gather will reside.
Add your voice to the conversation on the blog page. Find job-specific information on the PE and Music pages. Check for the latest specialist-centric tech tips, or check out the state of the specialist community on the information pages.
Scroll over the headings on the menu bar to find drop-downs with more pages.

Vent. Encourage. Help colleagues. Find inspiration...


Burning Questions

can now be found here




Do you have questions?
Tech Tips are now HERE.
Links:
Check Your Schedule

Most of us received a new schedule this week. CBA language is still in force during remote and hybrid instructional models. Be sure that your schedule falls within the parameters of the contract. If you choose to participate in an alternative schedule or take larger-than-prescribed classes there is a waiver process that you and your building must use. This ensures that all parties are aware and in accord, and protects those who choose not to waive their contract rights. Here are some specific items to consider.
Advice From Human Resources
When there is a perceived issue from the point of view of the specialist, then the following protocol exists to ensure a timely response and remedy:
 
  1. Discuss with principal. If there is no resolution, then;
  2. The specialist and the principal work with level director. If there is no resolution, then;
  3. The concern is escalated to Human Resources and discussed with union leadership or during a labor management meeting.
You're invited to share your concerns

"Please communicate your concerns directly to myself or Christa Erolin. It is important that labor issues are addressed through the proper channels that the Union and District have established. This insures that concerns are addressed in a timely manner and the communication from both the Union and the District are in alignment."
 
Please feel free to call or email me directly if you have any questions.
 
Know Your Contract
Flawed Staffing Formula
The district has not done their homework on how many classes will fit into a school day.
Staffing levels are inequitable within buildings and across the district.
TPS uses a "school score" to determine need across the district. The score is determined using socio-economic factors, test scores, and various other indicators. Moving resources to where they are most needed makes sense. Is that what happened here?
*This document is dated 6/22/2020, but we are told it was used in making deployment decisions in May.
Instruction
Specialists and students are being set up to fail. Many teachers will be starting the school year doing distance lessons with students they have never met and who they might see once a week.
Where is Everybody?

Click below to see how your school and schools across the district will be impacted. Current as of 7/23
SAFETY FIRST!
Protocol for Reporting Unsafe Practices

1.   In the moment, make note of any unsafe practices (student behavior, room arrangements, etc.)

2.   At the end of every day, email your principal a list of what unsafe things occurred in your classroom; cc your TEA Building Rep(s)

3.   At the end of every week, your Building Rep(s) will send a compilation of all unsafe practices to Thu Ament, the district COVID Safety Supervisor.


Click below for contact information.
If you would like more information on how you can help advocate for our students and Music, PE and Library educators, please click to add yourself to our advocacy group.
A council representing PE, Music, and Library have been meeting to gather information, rally support and determine next steps for solving district-wide Safety, Quality and Equity issues for specialist programs, students, and staff.

Click below to join our mailing list and be kept in the loop as the situation evolves.
Your information will not be shared without your permission.
Please include your:
Name, Building (any you have connections with), and Role (Staff Position, Parent, Citizen, Student)
Tacoma Specialists Advocacy Council
Maggie Ross - Music: Fernhill, Franklin
Matt Wood - PE: Stafford
Megan Oberfield - Music: Browns Point, Lister
Michael Caldwell -PE: DeLong, Crescent Heights
Paula Greuling - Music: Birney, Roosevelt
Penny Cramer - Music: Sherman, Jefferson
Rod Huskey - Music: Boze
Roxane Hreha - Music: Whitman, Franklin
Steve Johnson - PE: Lowell, Fawcett