Posted 10-5-2017 (Dated 9-29-2017) Benefits of Belonging to HSTA

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES NEWSLETTER                         OCTOBER 2017 Student Loan Forgiveness and Financial Planning Workshop  October 10 330 - 530 pm  The latest NEA Member Benefit research shows that recent graduates are leaving schools with greater and greater debt. This presentation focuses on how teachers who teach in "high-impact schools" can get a portion of their Stafford and Perkins loans forgiven.  In addition, we will cover the basics of the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program which applies to all full-time HSTA members who have federal loans. Basic financial planning tips on how to live with debt, save for retirement despite paying off debt and the importance of having a plan will also be covered. This workshop is available either in person or virtually.  Please select your preference when you RSVP. RSVP by October 3 HSTA members receive 5% off round trip flights from Hawaii to SEA, PDX, SMF, OAK, SFO, SJC, LAX, SAN, PHX, JFK, and LAS.  www.hawaiianairlines.com/affiliate Affiliate Program Code:  HSTA SPECIAL $1 OFF DISCOUNT FOR HSTA MEMBERS Join the excitement at the Oh Baby! Family Expo 2017 “Hawaii's Largest Baby And Kids Expo," Oct. 7 and 8 at the Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall.  Co-produced with the Hawaii Party Expo and the Hawaii Toy and Game Expo. That's Three Expos in One - Three Times the Fun. The expo will feature over 150 exhibitors showcasing the latest products and services for Hawaii's prenatal to families with children 12 and under.  At the show, you’ll find expert speakers, demonstrations, activities and entertainment for the whole family. Come see caterers, venues, entertainers and party suppliers at the Hawaii Party Expo, a great resource for your next school function (i.e. fun fair, grad night, etc).  Or bring your kids down to the Toy and Game Expo to experience the latest STEM Toys of 2017.  Let the kids play, discover and interact in our special hands-on play area at the show. Teachers can also get a head start on this year's flu season by getting their flu shots right at the show in the CVS/ Longs Drugs Booth. It's everything you need at one show.  Don't miss this three expos in one event, Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 7 and 8, 10 am to 5 pm at the Neal Blaisdell Center Exhibition Hall. General admission is $5.50, Children 5 and under are FREE. See you there! HSTA members can show their HSTA card and a photo ID to the box office to receive a $1 OFF the $5.50 general admission price. One discount per HSTA card. For more info go to: www.ohbabyfamilyexpo.com, IG: @ohbabyfamilyexpo  FB: ohbabyfamilyexpo or call us at (808) 239-7777. Are you expecting or thinking about starting a family?  Let our Uniserv Director share helpful information so you can plan and prepare for your time with your baby. October 12 HSTA Headquarters 1200 Ala Kapuna Street Honolulu, Hawaii 96819 Speakers at 11 a.m. Vendor Fair 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. RSVP NOW HSTA Baby Shower Vendors  People Attentive to CHildren (PATCH) is Hawaii’s statewide child care resource and referral agency.  We support parents, child care providers, and local communities to find, plan, pay for and provide quality child care.  Hawaii Mothers' Milk is a private non-profit, agency helping Hawaii Mothers since 1975.  Our agency offers a number of services which help families who choose to breastfeed their babies, to enjoy a successful and healthy start.  Pink, blue, or yellow? The decisions may seem endless when you’re expecting. Financial decisions can be some of life’s toughest decisions. Let HawaiiUSA help you choose wisely. HawaiiUSA, where life matters. The Early Intervention Programs provide services for children birth to three years of age with special needs and their families. Specialists support parents in helping their child develop. Services are provided where the child lives, learns and grows. Injury is one of the leading causes of death and disability in Hawaii for all children, responsible for more deaths of children ages 1-17 than all other causes combined. Our mission is to prevent and reduce injuries to children in Hawaii. Do you have enough sick leave to cover you if you couldn’t work due to illness, injury, or a new baby? The HSTA VEBA Trust is committed to HSTA members and offers Short-Term Income Protection plan especially for new HSTA Members. As an added benefit, the HSTA VEBA Trust subsidizes up to $10 of the monthly premium for all enrolled members. Learn more about this plan at our website, www.hstaveba.org or call the HSTA VEBA Trust office at 440-6940 (Oahu) or 1-800-637-4926 (Neighbor Islands). NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH SEA LIFE PARK  From October 1 – December 31, 2017, HSTA members can enjoy a number of discounts when they visit Sea Life Park:   Discounted Admission(valid for each member and up to 8 additional guests) Adult $14.99 plus tax(regular price $39.99) Junior (3-12 years ) $9.99 plus tax (regular price $24.99) Children under 3 are free 10% discount on retail items or food and beverage(must provide HSTA ID) $ 3 parking charge (HSTA member only) Dolphin Interactives Dolphin Royal Swim- $142.50 plus tax (regular price $254.99) Dolphin Swim Adventure- $110 plus tax (regular price $189.99) Dolphin Encounter- $80 plus tax  (regular price $129.99) Dolphin Aloha - $40 plus tax  (regular price $69.99) Click here to check out their website. As teachers, our primary duty and responsibility are to teach.  But before we had an HSTA contract, we also had non-professional duties like cafeteria supervision and cleaning classrooms.  Thanks to the work of past HSTA members and leaders, our contract prohibits those types of non-professional duties. Check out your contract Article VI -Z for more details  NEA Retirement Specialists NEA Retirement Specialists are local advisors who live and work within your community. As NEA Retirement Specialists, our goal is to help you stay on track so that you can retire on time and achieve the lifestyle you’ve always desired for your retirement years. The NEA Retirement Specialist designation means that NEA Retirement Specialist are financial advisors trained in the K-12 Education Retirement Market. Services We Provide: • Workshops and seminars on retirement • Discounted investment products for NEA members • Customized retirement reports • A choice of investment strategies endorsed by the NEA • Regular reviews to track your retirement progress • Services are also available for your spouse Please contact us at 808-951-7185 for an appointment or visit NEA Retirement Specialist Program for more information. Registration for member-led HSTA professional development sections (all 3-PD credits) is now open and classes are listed on www.pd.hsta.org.   As a reminder, signing up for HSTA PD courses is as easy as 1, 2, 3: Go pde3.k12.hi.us (PDE3) and add yourself to the wait-list for a specific section of a course Next, go to www.pd.hsta.org and make payment for that specific course section Lastly, once payment is received, HSTA will move you from the  “Wait-List” to “Registered” on PDE3 and your enrollment will be confirmed via email HSTA PD Website Courses listed below are for three (3) professional development credits through PDE3. All PD credits can be used towards salary reclassification.  FALL 2017 COURSES

Posted 10-5-2017 (Dated 9-28-2017) HSTA reacts to anti-union Supreme Court case

Aloha Colleagues: Today the U.S. Supreme Court today announced that they will hear Janus v. AFSCME. This case is trying overturn a 40-year-old precedent (Abood v. Detroit) in which the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that unions can collect fair share fees for representing workers in collective bargaining, contract enforcement and other matters relating to wages and work conditions. The reason for fair share fees is to prevent “free riders” or those who benefit from the work of unions in collective bargaining, but don’t pay their fair share. This new case is not just an attack on unions, but is sponsored by the same groups who wish to privatize schools and make public education a for-profit business. Unions are some of the strongest forces in our country fighting for workers’ rights, income inequality and quality schools for all children regardless of their zip code. The educators in HSTA are an ohana. We take care of each other and our keiki. In Hawaii you don’t go to a potluck, eat all the food but don’t bring a dish to share. Here is some quick background on today’s developments from the New York Times. In the past year, you have experienced the power of collective action as teachers stood united to secure a new HSTA contract with raises, more money for health coverage and other improvements. The HSTA works hard to fight for our members, their families and the keiki we teach across the state of Hawaii. We remain committed to standing shoulder to shoulder with parents and the community to improve Hawaii’s public schools. The HSTA joins the National Education Association and other unions across the country in fighting back against the legal attacks on teachers and other hard working folks. Regardless of attacks on unions, we will continue to fight hard for what is right. We need your help to fight back. Please share HSTA’s Facebook post with this article or post it yourself on social media and use some of the messages below to help us spread the word about the attacks on the middle class. We must stand together to ensure that America has an economy that works for everyone. Thank you for the work you do every day for all of our keiki and for supporting this effort! Mahalo, Corey Rosenlee HSTA President Right-wing groups behind #SCOTUS case admit they’re spending tens of millions to “defund and defang” #unions: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/30/rightwing-alliance-unions-defund-defang #SCOTUS case, Janus, is really about further rigging our economy against working people in favor of the wealthy and powerful. #DefendUnions http://inthesetimes.com/working/entry/20561/scotus-unions-labor-right-to-work-janus-supreme-court #SCOTUS case threatens to make entire public sector “right-to-work.” This is an attack on economic and civil rights at the same time. http://neatoday.org/2017/09/28/janus-supreme-court-attack-on-workers/?tp-open-in-web-browser=1 Unions provide working people a path to the middle class & stability for their family, now the #SCOTUS wants to take that away. #SCOTUS case, Janus v. AFSCME, attacks freedom of working people to join in strong unions. #Unions are needed now more than ever. Corporate interests behind Janus #SCOTUS case want use the Court to rig the economy even more against working people. Working people should have freedom to join together in strong #unions to improve their workplaces and provide for their families. #Unions are key to fix this rigged economy. #SCOTUS case, Janus, strikes at our freedom to join in strong unions for a better future. (SCOTUS stands for Supreme Court of the United States)

Copyright © 2017 Hawaii State Teachers Association, All rights reserved. Mahalo for your engagement. Our mailing address is: Hawaii State Teachers Association 1200 Ala Kapuna Street Honolulu, HI 96819

Posted 10-5-2017 (dated 9-27-2017) PDF searchable copy of contract; News from your HSTA Hilo Chapter! PD class in Hilo over fall break

Hilo Chapter  President's Message Aloha Colleagues, Mahalo to all of the School Level Leaders (SLLs) who attended our first RA meeting of the 2017 – 2018 school year on August 29 and our second RA yesterday (September 27) at Kea'au Elementary School  You should have received the hard copies our contract (Agreement between the Hawaii State Teachers Association and the State of Hawaii Board of Education, July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2021).  They were delivered to your schools and distributed by your SLLs. HSTA members can find a PDF searchable copy of the new 2017-2021 HSTA Collective Bargaining Agreement (contract) at this link. Please be sure to check your personal email accounts regularly for important updates provided by HSTA. HSTA Professional Development in Hilo! HSTA Fall 2017– The 21st Century Classroom Level 1 (Hilo)  Many schools are moving toward a 1:1 teaching and learning environment. This course will give teachers the foundational skill set to be effective teachers in a 1:1 environment. Specifically this course will be an introduction to: Gmail, Calendar, Google Drive and Google+. Participants will share and discuss how other educators and schools are using GAFE and create their own lessons and projects for utilizing GAFE. This course is introductory/basic for beginners at using Google, and/or who have not taken any previous Google/GAFE-related courses for PD credit.  This course was formerly known as: HSTA Google Course (Level One) (PD179618).  Participants may not re-take for credit.  PDE3 Section #287501: Hilo - Kea’au Elementary School, October 10,11 and 12 Deadline to register October 9 Your Hilo Chapter officers and Board Director look forward to working together with you again this school year.  If you need to contact anyone of us, please refer to the Hilo Chapter Executive Board SY 17-18 poster on the HSTA bulletin board at your school. I look forward to seeing you at all of our RA meetings. Dawn Kiyoko Kainoa Raymond HSTA Hilo Chapter President Copyright © 2017 Hawaii State Teachers Association, All rights reserved. Mahalo for your engagement. Our mailing address is: Hawaii State Teachers Association 1200 Ala Kapuna Street Honolulu, HI 96819

Posted 10-4-2017 (dated 10-4-2017) EES contract advisory; HSTA members named to joint committee; New superintendent's evaluation process is changing

Educator Effectiveness System (EES) – Know Your Rights In the last couple of weeks, the HSTA has received some inquiries regarding the teacher evaluation system, known as EES, and would like to provide the following frequently asked questions about EES implementation for SY 2017-2018. Q1: Where in the contract can I find information about teacher evaluation? A1: All teachers should be familiar with your contractual rights related to the teacher performance evaluation system.  The following contract sections contain the various contract language related to teacher evaluation: Article VIII (Page 41-45), Appendix IV (pages 94-101). This language, along with the 2017-2018 EES manual, guides the implementation of the EES this school year.  Q2: How do I know which rating cycle or track I am on for this year? A2: Your administrator should have notified you of your rating track. In general, the following applies: All less-than-effective and non-tenured teachers are on the enhanced track, Tenured teachers who have no EES rating are on the standard track, All other tenured teachers are on the streamlined track.   More specifics can be found on page 10 of the manual and in the superintendent’s memo on adjustments, which is linked to in the manual. Q3: I am in my last semester of probation (probationary 6) and anticipate becoming tenured in January 2018, do I still have to be on enhanced EES and complete the full cycle of EES? A3: Yes, the EES track a teacher is assigned is based on their status at the start of the given school year.  Any non-tenured teacher at the start of the school year would be on enhanced and would need to complete the EES cycle and receive a rating in the spring, regardless of the earning of tenure status. Q4: I am a tenured teacher who was supposed to be rated on the standard track last year (my social security number ends in an odd number).  However, I was unable to complete my rating and received “no-rating” in SY 2016-2017.  My administrator is telling me I still have to complete a standard track EES in 2017-2018, is this correct?  A4:  Yes, because you currently don’t have a rating on file, you need to complete the EES standard track in 2017-2018 so you can receive an EES rating. Q5: I am a tenured teacher on a streamlined track in school year 2017-2018 and I have some questions about the Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP):  A5: (1) Do I have to complete an IPDP? All teachers, including those on streamline track, have to complete an IPDP, unless directed to complete a Principal Directed Professional Development Plan (PDPDP). (2) Does my submission of an IPDP impact my official EES rating? Those teachers on a streamlined EES for 2017-2018 already have their carryover rating (effective or highly effective) for 2017-2018 displayed in their summary tab in PDE3. The administrator is required to input a date into the PDE3 to show that the IPDP was discussed, but that input will not affect the EES annual rating. (3) Can my administrator direct the format and content of my IPDP? No, the administrator may not direct a specific format or content for the IPDP.  Please see this memo for further clarification. (4) Can my administrator direct me to upload a copy of the IPDP into PDE3? IPDPs are NOT required to be uploaded to PDE3 unless directed by the administrator. If teachers feel uncomfortable with a request for upload to PDE3, they should discuss with their administrator alternatives to upload in PDE3. Q6: What about the implementation timeline(s) in the EES manual, what happens if it is missed?  A6:  The timelines listed in the manual are administrative timelines. If a teacher and evaluator want to alter these timelines, it requires mutual agreement between the Employer and Association. Coordination of approval should be done through the EES Complex Area Lead and the Hawaii State Teachers Association (HSTA) UniServ Director. If there is no agreement, the timeline in this manual shall be followed.  If you have questions about a timeline, please contact your UniServ Director at HSTA. Q7: If teachers still need clarification and/or have questions on EES, what can they do?  A8: Teachers can do any combination of the following: ask their principal, contact their district EES EO, call the EES Help Desk 586-4072, contact their School APC members and/or contact their HSTA UniServ Director. Q8: What should I do if my administrator is not implementing the EES properly? A8: The first step is to contact the school Association Policy Committee (APC) which includes the grievance representative. The APC is made up of HSTA teachers at the school or worksite who meet with the Principal to discuss concerns or contract violations. The APC meeting should help to determine if it is a misunderstanding or if a grievance is in order. If a discussion with the administration does not resolve the matter, the APC and/or the teacher should consult with their HSTA UniServ Director. Note for public charter schools (PCS): Many PCS have negotiated supplemental agreements with HSTA regarding modifications to the teacher evaluation system.  If you are a PCS teacher with questions on your evaluation, please contact your HSTA faculty representative or contact your local HSTA office for assistance.  Educator Effectiveness System (EES) -- Update on Joint Committee  The HSTA has notified the Department of Education (DOE) as to HSTA’s representation on the EES Joint Committee for the duration of the 2017-2021 contract.  The committee will continue its work towards improvements to EES. The HSTA appointees include the following HSTA members: Terry Holck, Inclusive Practices Resource Teacher, Nanakuli-Waianae Complex Area Diane Mokuau, Librarian, Molokai High  Ashley Olson, ELL and Testing Coordinator, Lahainaluna High  Bea De Rego, Test Coordinator, Kahuku High and Intermediate   The HSTA is still awaiting new Superintendent Christina Kishimoto’s appointees to represent the DOE on the EES Joint Committee. Superintendent faces new evaluation process   The Board of Education is considering a new evaluation process for Christina Kishimoto that supporters say will more effectively judge how she's doing. Read the Civil Beat article Grading Hawaii's New Schools Chief.

Copyright © 2017 Hawaii State Teachers Association, All rights reserved. Mahalo for your engagement. Our mailing address is: Hawaii State Teachers Association 1200 Ala Kapuna Street Honolulu, HI 96819

posted 9-25-2017 (dated 9-22-2017) SPED teachers speak out to BOE; Membership card update; Be a Hero, Be a Teacher campaign launched; Fern Elementary gets new books from NEA

BOE, superintendent favorably respond to teachers’ testimony on SPED difficulties Nine teachers from around the state testified before the Board of Education Tuesday night about a wide variety of serious problems with special education in Hawaii’s public schools, and BOE members as well as the schools superintendent said fixing those problems is a priority. Renee Wood, who teaches at Waihee Elementary on Maui, told the BOE, “I love being able to advocate, support and teach students of all abilities. But year after year, I’m given impossible tasks.” “I am done,” Wood said, her voice choked with emotion. “I am burned out and I am not the only teacher. We need to find solutions to keep highly qualified teachers from burning out and leaving this profession. We need to come together to make sure every child is learning to the best of their ability. Our Hawaii keiki need more.” Juliana Romero, an autism consultant teacher for Oahu’s Central district, routinely works with teachers and students at 16 schools. “Public school teachers do not have the resources to effectively teach special education students,” Romero testified. Schools Superintendent Christina Kishimoto told the teachers “I believe we’re all on the same page in terms of having this (special education) as a number one issue,” prompting applause from the teachers and parents of special education students. The superintendent is conducting a special review of special education. “It’s a priority of the board,” said BOE Vice Chair Brian De Lima. Read the entire story about teachers speaking before the BOE on special education problems across the state. Membership card update We have heard you. Recently HSTA members were mailed a welcome back letter which included a temporary membership card. The card can be cut out and used at various businesses that give teachers or union members’ discounts. Over the last week, members contacted us concerned about the “professionalism” of the paper card and that merchants would think that it is a fake. This is a change from previous practice, when we issued union members a plastic membership card via our contract with Access, a company that provides discounts. Why did we go from a plastic card to a paper one anyway? Cost. In the past, we have printed cards for 13,500 members every two years at a cost of roughly $25,000. In addition, the HSTA decided not to renew our Access contract, since we are working on a digital membership card that can be accessed on the web at all times, from your smart phone and printed out as needed. We always strive to be conscious of how and where we spend our members’ union dues, especially in anticipation of the court case Janus v. AFSME. In this case, the Supreme Court is expected to decide the future of public unions and by extension our ability to negotiate your contract, support you in that contract and be your advocate.  With the addition of the new Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, the high court will most likely decide that people do not have to pay their fair share fees. Instead, they will receive the benefits of a union because their co-workers will pay their costs to get those services. In anticipation of this case, HSTA has looked for ways to save money, while still being a strong advocate for our members without cutting vital programs and services. The new HSTA digital card is projected to be ready in several months, as part of the relaunch of our website. This will save our members’ dues dollars while at the same time giving members updated information on demand. We appreciate your feedback about the temporary cards and thank you for your patience as we strive to serve you better. "Be a hero. Be a teacher." campaign encourages students to pursue teaching The University of Hawaii has launched a multi-media campaign aimed at addressing Hawaii’s teacher shortage. “Be a hero. Be a teacher.” encourages high school and college students, as well as working professionals, to consider the importance and benefits of the teaching profession. The “Be a hero. Be a teacher.” campaign also uplifts current teachers and reminds everyone how important teachers are to our society. Click here for the complete UH news story about the "Be a hero. Be a teacher." campaign. Watch the 30-second public service announcement version Watch the two minute, 29 second-long slam poet version Fern Elementary students get new books Third and fourth grade students at Fern Elementary in Kalihi were the recipients of a new set of books by diverse authors as part of the National Education Association's Read Across America campaign this week. Michele Sasaki, a kindergarten teacher at Hickam Elementary, also stopped in to read the students a story by a Hawaii author. NEA Associate Director of Communications Steven Grant visited the classroom of teacher Louise Cayetano at Fern Wednesday, dropping off the books and calendars. Mahalo to NEA Hawaii Director Cliff Fukuda who organized the visit and a second one next week on Maui.       Offer valid Sept. 26 at all McDonald's Restaurants of Hawaii. Present your valid 2017-2018 school ID and receive a free medium hot or iced coffee. Do you offer professional development to your colleagues? This free workshop is for you! HSTA invites you to a free, one day workshop, to help you learn how to manage and grow your educational services business. This course is designed to support you in creating a platform to offer your expertise in a way that compensates you accordingly. The focus of this workshop is on the business side of operations, NOT adult learning theory or how to write professional development courses.  The course will take place on Monday, Oct. 9 at the Patsy T. Mink Center for Business and Leadership at the Richards Street YWCA downtown from 9 a.m.  to 3 p.m., with a working lunch included. The topics that will be covered by a variety of experts include: Big Picture: Emerging Trends in Educational Consulting The Consulting/Independent Contractor Model Financial Management and Taxes Cost, Pricing and Invoicing Business Registration and Licensing If you are interested in attending, please RSVP by Oct. 1 at bit.ly/HSTAMINK Space is very limited and seats will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact Jessica Kato at jessicakato80@gmail.com with any questions. Volunteer opportunity: Waianae Elementary to receive Labor of Love work Oct. 14 Please consider joining in the Labor of Love movement to help lift up students and create a better community by volunteering from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 14 for a half work day of campus improvement at Waianae Elementary. In addition to making improvements to the school's facilities, the effort by unions in Hawaii intends to fund Waianae's merit program to engender good behavior and academic success as well as provide each student with a school uniform t-shirt for their field trips. We need YOUR support as 300 volunteers are necessary to help make this Labor of Love a success.  Most of the volunteer work will be painting. The skilled labor will be carried out by members of trade unions. Sign up through the link below. Lunch is included. Read more about the Labor of Love Oct. 14 effort to improve Waianae Elementary. Sign up for the Labor of Love Oct. 14 effort to improve Waianae Elementary. Membership Services SY16-17 Membership Services Committee KONA Kona Chapter members: RSVP today for the Island $avings Plan workshop and receive a bento at the workshop Oct. 19. LANAI  Financial Planning 101 This seminar introduces members to the basics of financial planning. We will talk briefly about the State of Hawaii ERS pension, Social Security, the importance of the bank (savings and emergency funds), an introduction to insurance (life insurance, disability insurance, and long-term care insurance), and investing (pre-tax vs. after-tax investments, the power of compound interest, dollar-cost averaging, and NEA 403bs). Tuesday, Sept. 26, 3 p.m. Lanai RA, Classroom D-2, Lanai High and Elementary MAUI  Are You On Track To Retire? (Designed for those close to retirement) Tuesday, Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m. (dinner provided) Maui Arts and Cultural Center Getting Started (Designed for millennials) Tuesday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. (lunch provided) Maui Arts and Cultural Center Hosted by our NEA MB Retirement Specialists, come find out about ERS, Social Security and other investment options. Seats are limited so please RSVP to Iris @ 808-951-7185 ext. 15. OAHU Are You On Track To Retire?  Hosted by our NEA MB Retirement Specialists for you and your spouse. Wednesday, Oct. 11, 11 a.m. (lunch provided) Hawaii Prince Waikiki, Naio Room Hosted by our NEA MB Retirement Specialists, come find out about ERS, social security, and other investment options.  Seats are limited so please RSVP to Tereen @ 808-951-7185 ext 21. Pre-Retirement Planning Seminar  Everyone dreams of retirement. Come find out how it’s possible from our HSTA-Rs and representatives from the State Employees’ Retirement System (ERS). Thursday, Oct. 5, 4 p.m. HSTA 1200 Ala Kapuna St. RSVP by Sept. 22 to https://oct2017preretire.eventbrite.com HSTA Baby Shower Are you expecting or thinking about starting a family?  Questions about how long you can stay home with your baby? Let our UniServ Director share helpful information about the use of your sick leave, personal leave and family leave and the Maternity/Paternity Leave Sharing Program and Leave Without Pay for childcare so that you can plan and prepare for your time with your baby.  Do you need substitute teacher plans? We can cover that as well! Thursday, Oct. 12 Vendor fair from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Speaker at 11 a.m. RSVP by Oct. 2 to https://rsvphstababyshower2017.eventbrite.com Subscribe to and follow HSTA's social media accounts Be sure to subscribe to HSTA's YouTube channel and follow us on Instagram for the latest videos, photos and news about our Association and public schools in Hawaii. Subscribe to HSTA's YouTube channel here. Follow @HSTAvoice on Instagram. Read the entire story about teachers speaking before the BOE on special education problems across the state. Click here for the complete UH news story about the "Be a hero. Be a teacher." campaign. From our August 25 Member Matters: Here's a link to our new eight-minute Welcome to HSTA video that's a Google link instead of YouTube, allowing it to be played at DOE facilities. Here's a Google link to HSTA's two-minute 2016-2017 Year of Action video, recapping major events of last school year. Click here to look at the salary schedules. HSTA members can find a PDF searchable copy of the new 2017-2021 HSTA Collective Bargaining Agreement (contract) at this link. Here are resources for students, educators, and families to address and engage in the national dialogue about racism, hate and bias in the wake of recent events in Charlottesville. From our August 18 Member Matters: More information about the 21 hours of job-embedded professional development can be found in these DOE FAQs. Guidelines for Reclassification of Teachers