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UEA switch throws wrench in works
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Frustrated | 12:57 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
One need only look at the last 3-4 years of scheduling to tell that no one is in
charge with a master schedule. What is the point of UEA if teachers that want to
attend without taking (in essence) a one to two day pay cut. Give the teachers a
break for once.
Now, speaking as a parent, it is a rare instance when SEP conferences and/or end of term are scheduled to coincide with UEA(See 2007 schedule with UEA on Monday-Tuesday and end of term Friday before). Both of these occurences include a Friday with no school. Yet, not enough to really do anything with scheduling wise. It would make too much sense to coordinate these times with UEA because all of the time off would combine to make a break where families not involved with UEA can actually take a significant family vacation. As it is now, three of the next four weeks will have at least one day in the week where school will not be in session, which may also contribute to how far school extends into June.
In any case, jumping around every year is difficult for all.
Now, speaking as a parent, it is a rare instance when SEP conferences and/or end of term are scheduled to coincide with UEA(See 2007 schedule with UEA on Monday-Tuesday and end of term Friday before). Both of these occurences include a Friday with no school. Yet, not enough to really do anything with scheduling wise. It would make too much sense to coordinate these times with UEA because all of the time off would combine to make a break where families not involved with UEA can actually take a significant family vacation. As it is now, three of the next four weeks will have at least one day in the week where school will not be in session, which may also contribute to how far school extends into June.
In any case, jumping around every year is difficult for all.
Utah Transplant | 1:26 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
I still think UEA should be during the summer.
Comments continue below
Down with UEA and NEA | 5:40 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
Is the UEA and accredited college level training and education organization for
our teachers? Or are they an accredited or elected organization to set and
influence education policy in any state?
The UEA and NEA are union organizations and act like political action committees that should not have any powers in our education system or government.
Union meetings are held during the time off from work just as this organization should be doing. Until they get an accreditation they should not be holding any educational training for teachers. They are a union and should act like a union, not a political party. They should concentrate on the teacher memebership and union policy, not the education system and government offices.
It's mind boggling that these organizations can hold these fund raising events for their own organization while these teachers are being paid. To attend these fund raising events all the teachers should be on unpaid leave if held during a school day or even the Fridays they get paid to prepare and do school tasks at home.
The UEA and NEA are union organizations and act like political action committees that should not have any powers in our education system or government.
Union meetings are held during the time off from work just as this organization should be doing. Until they get an accreditation they should not be holding any educational training for teachers. They are a union and should act like a union, not a political party. They should concentrate on the teacher memebership and union policy, not the education system and government offices.
It's mind boggling that these organizations can hold these fund raising events for their own organization while these teachers are being paid. To attend these fund raising events all the teachers should be on unpaid leave if held during a school day or even the Fridays they get paid to prepare and do school tasks at home.
Anonymous | 5:53 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
UEA convention would be better suited during the summer when teachers are off.
Anonymous | 6:35 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
UEA/NEA is an educational wasteland. And what are schools doing taking two days
off to attend the UEA convention. NObody else in the U.S. does this. If they
want a convention, have it on their own time.
the light | 6:56 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
Even if UEA were in the summer the students would still be in school for 178
days. This break does not affect the number of school days
UEA | 7:05 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
The UEA needs to focus on learning and not being a teachers union. In the
legislature they do more harm than good.
UEA is liberal | 7:54 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
UEA is nothing more than a liberal political arm of the democratic party which
supports redistribution of wealth, big government, and tax and spend policy.
UEA leadership has consistently destroyed the reputation of the hard working teachers in this state. Teachers should stop supporting the UEA.
UEA leadership has consistently destroyed the reputation of the hard working teachers in this state. Teachers should stop supporting the UEA.
Contention Convention | 8:07 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
UEA convention is a dinosaur. It's a ready-made and taxpayer-subsidized
forum for UEA to strong-arm and give teachers the union spiel -- straight from
the AFL-CIO, Democratic National Committee, and Nancy Pelosi. What value added
does it give to our kids and their education? Its time that people wake up and
see the UEA for what it is. At the core, it is a labor union, with union
mentality. Sure, there are some good but misguided individuals who are
involved. But they should "just say no!" You can get liabiltiy
insurance through an Umbrella Policy on the homeowners insurance, and so
don't believe the rhetoric about needing UEA-provided liability insurance.
Your own umbrella is probably lots cheaper anyway. And you'll be spared
the leftist indoctrinations.
Mike | 8:14 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
Just another reason that the UEA is becoming increasingly irrelevant. The
teachers don't even want to belong any more.
Former educator | 8:16 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
Amen to annonymous and UEA's comments. The UEA is a union and should be
treated as such. They're all about the teachers, not the students.
It's all good | 8:20 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
I used to teach in Utah, and no offense to the UEA groupies, but the majority of
us were just happy to have the two days off.
I would be curious about the actual percentage of teachers who attend this conference. I didn't know many in my school who went, it was just a four day weekend.
I would be curious about the actual percentage of teachers who attend this conference. I didn't know many in my school who went, it was just a four day weekend.
NEA is liberal | 8:33 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
Someone ought to create a new union for teachers that more appropriately
reflects to values of most Utahns. I'm all for diversity, but the UEA is a
branch of the NEA which advocates for educational policy with which most utahns
don't agree.
Only 5,00 of the 22,000 teachers attend?
Only 5,00 of the 22,000 teachers attend?
Public Education puts kids last | 8:46 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
Mind boggling to live in a state where one month into school, districts give up
3 days of precious curriculum time (on the heels of a long weekend resulting
from a career ladder day) to shut down school for a union pow wow! Apparently,
oppressive unions come before educating kids, so you close school while your
teachers go off to be indoctrinated about why they should hate their jobs by the
single most destructive impediment to bringing our education system into the
21st century - the teachers union! BTW way to go Utah County Districts. Maybe
your counterparts will buy a clue. "Fall Break" should be eliminated.
Heaven forbid our kids actually get some uninterrupted learning.
What | 8:47 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
Re: axmm =You said what? Didn't understand a word of it. On the sauce
this morning are we?
Most teachers do not attend UEA. It is a holiday for them. However, they still have to pay substantial dues to NEA and UEA. Less than half of the teachers care anything about UEA.
Most teachers do not attend UEA. It is a holiday for them. However, they still have to pay substantial dues to NEA and UEA. Less than half of the teachers care anything about UEA.
re: Public Education puts kids | 9:04 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
The state legislature set the number of days kids are in school at 178. So if
there were "3 days of precious curriculum time" this week, there would
be three less days another week. If you want more time in school for your kids
push the legislature to fund more days in school.
Not all teachers... | 9:19 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
Not all teachers work a traditional schedule. Many elementary schools are year
round which means that 3 of 4 teachers will be in session some time during the
year.
Anonymous | 9:25 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
What a shock the UEA is upset and they are the main cause of the problem. By the
way who is the accrediting body that offers these career developing skills and
training? I thought accreditation is mandatory.
Wake up Utah!
The UEA and its radical national body the NEA are the harbingers of mediocrity and radical agendas. If you need proof look at the legislation that the NEA supports across the nation and the policies that the UEA supports here in Utah. The UEA rallied around the middle school that had small children singing praises to Obama instead of learning their ABC's. This is the group that supports "Heather has two mommies" and similar agendas.
It is important to note that many of the rank and file teachers DO NOT support these things but as in ALL unions the rank and file has No say.
I wish teachers would rise up and take back a once proud and beneficial organization but I fear there is no stomach for such action.
Wake up Utah!
The UEA and its radical national body the NEA are the harbingers of mediocrity and radical agendas. If you need proof look at the legislation that the NEA supports across the nation and the policies that the UEA supports here in Utah. The UEA rallied around the middle school that had small children singing praises to Obama instead of learning their ABC's. This is the group that supports "Heather has two mommies" and similar agendas.
It is important to note that many of the rank and file teachers DO NOT support these things but as in ALL unions the rank and file has No say.
I wish teachers would rise up and take back a once proud and beneficial organization but I fear there is no stomach for such action.
Anti UEA teacher | 9:32 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
The UEA conference should be held in the summer. The only ones that attend it
are new teachers. There is no reason for having it during the school year.
I love the fall break idea though. The parents of my students love it as well. The tough of the year brings a lot of stress to families as everyone goes different directions. It is nice to get back together for a few days with no homework to worry about.
LOL at UEA being liberal. Yes the NEA is but the members of the UEA are the same people you go to church with on Sunday. Mostly white, republican, mormons.
I'm not a member of the UEA because I feel they do more harm than good. They provide a lightning rod for the far right wingers that want to blame all of societies problems on somebody else.
I would like the UEA to go away so the legislature couldn't blame their lack of effort towards education on the teachers and the "union".
I love the fall break idea though. The parents of my students love it as well. The tough of the year brings a lot of stress to families as everyone goes different directions. It is nice to get back together for a few days with no homework to worry about.
LOL at UEA being liberal. Yes the NEA is but the members of the UEA are the same people you go to church with on Sunday. Mostly white, republican, mormons.
I'm not a member of the UEA because I feel they do more harm than good. They provide a lightning rod for the far right wingers that want to blame all of societies problems on somebody else.
I would like the UEA to go away so the legislature couldn't blame their lack of effort towards education on the teachers and the "union".
Batter up | 10:47 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
One reason why some districts are not supporting UEA Convention? Sports
schedules! That's what runs school scheduling and education in Utah -
sports.
Non Union Teacher | 11:01 a.m. Sept. 28, 2009
The UEA is an association, not a union. it really has no power to help
teachers. The convention is essentially a Ra-Ra type meeting with the keynotes.
It mainly is an opportunity for people to see things like books and technology
to the teachers. Anything that helps teachers is OK with me. I have never
attended but it is a nice break to help teachers and students recharge.
I have taught for 6 years and haven't been part of the association. I think it bases everything on fear that parents and students will sue the teachers so we need to join for the liability insurance. If that is the biggest selling point, I'd rather not be a member. If it truly helped me better my craft I would join, but I don't see the benefit now.
I have taught for 6 years and haven't been part of the association. I think it bases everything on fear that parents and students will sue the teachers so we need to join for the liability insurance. If that is the biggest selling point, I'd rather not be a member. If it truly helped me better my craft I would join, but I don't see the benefit now.
Anonymous | 12:35 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009
The public still thinks that teachers HAVE to join the UEA and HAVE to pay union
dues.
Teachers don't have to join (at my school it is about 40% that belong) and you only pay if you join.
The UEA break doesn't need to be done during the school year but it isn't taking away teaching days. If the break didn't happen, schools would just get out two days earlier for summer.
I prefer a small fall break like we now have.
Teachers don't have to join (at my school it is about 40% that belong) and you only pay if you join.
The UEA break doesn't need to be done during the school year but it isn't taking away teaching days. If the break didn't happen, schools would just get out two days earlier for summer.
I prefer a small fall break like we now have.
Glad to be UEA | 1:41 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009
I am a proud UEA member teacher. As a professional, I belong to my professional
association. If it weren't for UEA, who would advocate for public
education? Sure the PTA tries, but there is no more effective voice for public
education in Utah than the UEA.
Soul | 1:48 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009
UEA or any other teachcer related training should be held during the summer
breaks.
Student learning requires less interruptions.
Student learning requires less interruptions.
annon. | 2:14 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009
As a former teacher, I attended UEA every year and gained some great new ideas
to implement in my classroom. However, I am disappointed to hear that less than
1/4 of the teachers attend and that the rest are just getting tax funded
vacations.
I would prefer UEA to be held like other workshops, during the summer. And I would like to see a REAL fall break that coincides with the universities fall break, mid October, so that families really can have vacations together.
I would prefer UEA to be held like other workshops, during the summer. And I would like to see a REAL fall break that coincides with the universities fall break, mid October, so that families really can have vacations together.
I'd love to negotiate on my own. | 2:41 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009
Just give me the chance to negotiate my own contract. I know I'm not equal
to the lowest common denominator.
Teacher | 3:32 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009
It makes me laugh how two days of training for teachers has so many people
upset. First you need to understand that it is considered Fall Recess by most
districts. If you remember, it used to be a whole week for hunting season. As
many before have said, if we do not take these two days off now, they will come
somewhere else. There are designated amount of school days no matter when they
are held. Summer is a very bad time for trainings because many teachers are
working other jobs to actually survive on teachers pay. Say what you want about
UEA, I’m not a member, but they are the only ones at least trying to help
teachers, and your children. The legislature sure isn't. Teachers are not
paid very well, but if you ask most teachers what is most important, it is CLASS
SIZES. Many of the keynote speakers at the conventions talk about ways to teach
to such big classes. These two days we have off are “Days Off”, so
why is everyone worried about something we do on our day off.
re: annon. @2;14 | 3:36 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009
What do you mean tax funded vacations? These are unpaid days off for teachers.
Misstated "facts" | 3:41 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009
First of all, neither UEA or the UEA convention are tax supported in anyway.
The educators are not paid to attend. When school is not in session, teachers
are NOT paid. School calendars are set by local school boards not by the UEA.
They must meet guidelines set by State School Board rules and State laws.
This year's UEA conventions does coincide with the fall break of the second largest post-secondary institution in the state, SLCC.
Many educators receive valuable professional development by attending the UEA Convention. Those who view it as just a long weekend are missing out on a great chance to enhance their career.
Why should all teacher related training be held during the summer?
Finally, society will always have the schools they demand, including the schedules and calendars thereof. If our society wanted more instructional time, with the funding that it would entail, all the public would have to do it to get the legislature to do it.
P.S. Good luck with that.
This year's UEA conventions does coincide with the fall break of the second largest post-secondary institution in the state, SLCC.
Many educators receive valuable professional development by attending the UEA Convention. Those who view it as just a long weekend are missing out on a great chance to enhance their career.
Why should all teacher related training be held during the summer?
Finally, society will always have the schools they demand, including the schedules and calendars thereof. If our society wanted more instructional time, with the funding that it would entail, all the public would have to do it to get the legislature to do it.
P.S. Good luck with that.
I like good writing | 4:49 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009
Unfortunately, nobody proof read the second paragraph of this story.
Relax | 7:06 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009
Wow. So much hatred and misinformation being spread today.
Teachers have never been paid for UEA weekend. Teachers are not paid for Fall Break weekend. Teachers who take time off to go to the UEA convention (if it isn't during Fall Break) must pay for their substitute. UEA will personally cost me $140 this year. It's a price that I'm willing to pay. I'm NOT complaining.
Many parents and students love Fall Break. They are able to schedule one last trip to Sea World before the weather turns without missing school. The two Fall Break days are not counted as school days. I look forward to Fall Break. I will spend it in Yellowstone with my family. Nothing could be better.
Some professionals belong to a professional organizations. Organizations tend to hold meetings at various times and places throughout the year. This is not out of the ordinary. I belong to the UEA. It is one of many professional organizations I belong to. I look forward to attending the convention every year.
Relax. The world will not come to an end just because the UEA convention comes to Utah.
Teachers have never been paid for UEA weekend. Teachers are not paid for Fall Break weekend. Teachers who take time off to go to the UEA convention (if it isn't during Fall Break) must pay for their substitute. UEA will personally cost me $140 this year. It's a price that I'm willing to pay. I'm NOT complaining.
Many parents and students love Fall Break. They are able to schedule one last trip to Sea World before the weather turns without missing school. The two Fall Break days are not counted as school days. I look forward to Fall Break. I will spend it in Yellowstone with my family. Nothing could be better.
Some professionals belong to a professional organizations. Organizations tend to hold meetings at various times and places throughout the year. This is not out of the ordinary. I belong to the UEA. It is one of many professional organizations I belong to. I look forward to attending the convention every year.
Relax. The world will not come to an end just because the UEA convention comes to Utah.
Voter | 7:11 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009
ALL activities of the UEA teachers union should be held on weekends or summer
recess.
Everything possible should be done to make it as difficult as possible for the union thugs to control the hard working Utah teachers who mostly disagree with the extreme liberal agenda of the national union bosses.
Put the "fall recess" back on the "deer hunt" week and if that does or does not make it convenient for the union bosses, that's just the way it is.
Thank you teachers, but no thanks to the unions.
Everything possible should be done to make it as difficult as possible for the union thugs to control the hard working Utah teachers who mostly disagree with the extreme liberal agenda of the national union bosses.
Put the "fall recess" back on the "deer hunt" week and if that does or does not make it convenient for the union bosses, that's just the way it is.
Thank you teachers, but no thanks to the unions.
a teacher | 7:11 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009
I belong to UEA and have attended the convention for many years. I receive
valuable information and materials that I take back to my students. I'm
grateful for the opportunity. If it were held during the summer, I might not be
able to go because it might conflict with classes I would be taking.
Utah Dem | 9:04 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009
TO Glad to be UEA -"...If it weren't for UEA, who would advocate for
public education? Sure the PTA tries, but there is no more effective voice for
public education in Utah than the UEA."
Yet year after year the teachers complain about the low wages, lack of support from the legislature, etc., so how good is the UEA on your behalf?
Yet year after year the teachers complain about the low wages, lack of support from the legislature, etc., so how good is the UEA on your behalf?
Teachers Need Options | 9:35 p.m. Sept. 28, 2009
Teachers HAVE ANOTHER OPTION to the UEA. They can join a professional teachers
organization called the Utah Council of Educators (UTCE). I learned about it
while living in CA. Basically, you can get all of the insurance, scholarships,
mini-grants, and professional development that you want without any of the
politics. And it's less than $20/month.
So those of you that have commented that there should be something else, for teachers-- there is now, UTCE.
So those of you that have commented that there should be something else, for teachers-- there is now, UTCE.
UEA | 12:54 p.m. Sept. 29, 2009
Teachers are NOT paid for the days off to attend UEA. These are non-contract
days. Students are still in school for the required numbers of days during the
school year. Many teachers who do attend UEA end up spending a lot of money to
buy supplies that will be used in the classroom to help students learn. Why
isn't anyone upset that teachers have to spend their own money for supplies
for their classrooms?
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