Quality Service It

1
Quality ServiceIts a CREA Basic!

• Our Mission
• Improve the professional status of members
• Promote and protect the integrity of the teaching
  profession
• Support educators efforts to improve student
  achievement and welfare

2
T. I. P. ping the scale forEducation
Professionals

• T Training
• I Information
• P Protection
• Quality Service
• Its a CREA Basic!

3
The Features of Membership

• Support For Your Professional Organization
• Financial Rewards
• Advocacy Protections
• Opportunities for Professional Growth
• Networking with Colleagues and Educators
• Information on Hot Topics

4
Support For Your Professional Organization

• Educators Have the NEA
• Goal Area 1 Improve the Professional Status
  of Members
• Goal Area 2 Promote Protect the Integrity
  of the Profession
• Goal Area 3 Enhance Educators Efforts to
  Improve Student Achievement Welfare

5
Support For Your Professional OrganizationEducato
rs have the NEA

• Doctors have the AMA
• Lawyers have the Bar Association
• Educators have the NEA
• NEA is the National Education Association. The
  Iowa affiliate of NEA is the ISEA, Iowa State
  Education Association. The local affiliates of
  NEA/ISEA are the CREA and CROTA, Cedar Rapids
  Education Association and Cedar Rapids
  Organization of Teacher Associates. Together,
  the NEA, ISEA and CREA/CROTA are working to
  improve public education at all levels.

6
Financial Rewards

• Bargaining Salary and Insurance Benefits
• Credit Card-Money Market-CDs More
• Auto-Home-Life Insurance Programs
• Member Access Discount Card
• Early Separation-PEHP-IPERS
• Scholarships
• Teacher Store

7
Financial RewardsBargaining Salary Insurance
Benefits

• The CREA/CROTA are the exclusive bargaining
  representatives for the teachers and teacher
  associates in Cedar Rapids. No other group or
  organization can negotiate improvements and/or
  changes in your salary and benefits.
• CREA and CROTA bargain salary, benefits and
  contract language changes every year. Both
  contracts have adopted an innovative salary
  schedule that rewards employees for seeking
  higher levels of education and training.
• Only members have input into contract changes.
  Only members can vote on what modifications to
  accept or reject to the contract.

8
Financial RewardsCredit Card Money Market
CDs More

• NEA Member Benefits sponsors several credit card
  programs, including a travel rewards program that
  gives you airline miles for every dollar you
  spend. The miles can be used on any airline and
  there are no blackout periods or restrictions on
  usage. Travel reward points can also be used for
  car rentals. NEAs credit card programs have low
  interest rates and no annual fee.
• NEA Value Builder program offers money market
  investment opportunities, counseling and account
  management. NEAs money market offers one of the
  best return rates for your investment. You can
  use direct deposit and payroll deduction to add
  to your account. You are given checks to use for
  this account. They work like a regular checking
  account and you can make up to six withdrawals
  per month from this FDIC insured account.
• NEAs CD program has one of the highest interest
  rates offered. Call 1-800-637-4636 to check out
  current rates. It pays to compare!
• NEA has a mortgage program that refunds some of
  the fees associated with buying a home to members
  after the mortgage has closed.
• ISEA is a partner in the Linn Area Credit Union
  who offers cash incentives and Teacher Bucks for
  members who use their banking services.

9
Financial RewardsAuto Home Life Insurance
Programs

• With your membership, and at no additional cost
  to you, you automatically are enrolled for NEAs
  Dues Tab insurance. Dues Tab is an accidental
  death and dismemberment policy that will pay you
  a benefit if you become totally or partially
  disabled as a result of an injury and will pay a
  benefit to your beneficiary if you become
  deceased. Your Dues Tab benefit amount increases
  with each year of consecutive membership in NEA
  and any of its affiliates.
• NEA Member Benefits has auto, home and life
  insurance programs at very reduced prices for
  members. One of our teacher associate members
  reported to us that her family saved over 160
  per month by purchasing their auto insurance
  policy from NEA. Horace Mann is also an NEA
  endorsed company that offers discounted insurance
  programs to members.
• NEA Member Benefits also offers long term care
  and Medicare supplement insurance options.

10
Financial RewardsMember Access Discount Card

• Member Access is a program from ISEA. It offers
  members access to a secured web site that details
  hundreds of discounts available to members.
  Members take advantage of these discounts by
  presenting their Access card or by printing
  coupons from the web site. Discounts may be as
  much as 50 and include golf, hotels, cruises,
  condos, resorts, eye care, shopping, restaurants,
  theme parks, entertainment, health products, auto
  services, hair cuts, high adventure, whitewater
  rafting, ski and snowboarding, all-inclusive
  vacations, and much, much more! In addition,
  CREA/CROTA has added local businesses who offer
  even more discount opportunities to our members.
  Check www.creaonline.org for a list of local
  merchants who accept our Access card.

11
Financial RewardsEarly Separation PEHP IPERS

• CREA has negotiated a generous and exceptional
  early separation benefit. It is one of only a
  very few in the state and certainly the best
  program! Teachers who qualify for early
  separation leave with 105 190 days severance
  and insurance benefits that continue until they
  are eligible for Medicare. You earn the
  increased severance above 105 days by saving
  personal illness days during your employment.
• CREA started the first teacher PEHP plan in the
  state. PEHP is a Post Employment Health Plan.
  The District makes a monthly contribution in your
  name into a tax-protected trust fund. The fund
  is yours and you control the investment of your
  account. When you leave employment with the
  District, either by retiring or changing jobs,
  you can draw the money out of your PEHP for all
  approved medical expenses. This benefit,
  combined with early separation allows teachers to
  choose when they want to retire!
• ISEA has three full-time lobbyists who continue
  to work with the Iowa legislature to improve our
  state retirement program, IPERS. IPERS has been
  lauded as one of the best state retirement
  systems in the nation, so we know were doing a
  good job!

12
Financial RewardsScholarships

• NEA, ISEA, CREA and Horace Mann all offer
  scholarships for higher education to the children
  of our members. Watch for details on how to
  apply for those scholarships in your Association
  publications!

13
Teacher Store

• CREA, in partnership with the Linn Area Credit
  Union has opened a Teacher Store at 606 5th
  Avenue SE in Cedar Rapids. The Teacher Store is
  a legal charitable organization where businesses
  and individuals can donate new and/or good used
  classroom supplies and equipments. Businesses
  and individuals who make donations receive a tax
  deduction receipt. Teachers are provided with
  Teacher Bucks to use for purchases at the
  Teacher Store. Teacher Bucks are available from
  the Association leadership team, the Linn Area
  Credit Union and will soon be available from the
  local Teacher Quality Committees. Inventory at
  the Teacher Store varies but has included
  crayons, glue, scissors, tape, staples,
  dispensers for tape and staples, rulers, markers,
  pens, pencils, paper, bulletin board supplies and
  borders, books, games, toys, clorox wipes, paper
  towels, kleenex, hand sanitizer, creative items
  and much, much more! The Teacher Store is open
  during the school year from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday
  and Friday and on Saturdays from 10-2 p.m.

14
Advocacy

• Resolution Team
• Representation
• Bargaining
• Lobbying
• Legal Program
• Mentoring
• Access to Resources
• Promoting Quality Education
• Having a Voice/Vote/Input

15
Advocacy Resolution Team

• The Resolution Team consists of the President of
  CREA, CREAs Chair of the Contract Maintenance
  Committee, our UniServ Director, the District
  Associate Superintendent, the Executive Director
  of Human Resources, the Executive Director for
  Elementary Education, the Executive Director for
  Secondary Education and the Executive Director
  for Special Services. Other Administrators and
  specialists are invited to meet with the team
  when a concern related to their area of expertise
  is being discussed.
• The purpose of the Resolution Team is to solve
  problems at the lowest level and in the most
  timely fashion possible. The team meets monthly
  to discuss concerns and issues and problem solve
  solutions. Concerns may be brought to the team
  by team members, administrators, teachers,
  educational support employees, the school board,
  parents, students, etc. Nothing is considered
  off limits.
• A major emphasis of Resolution Team is the
  intervention aspect which is used to provide
  support and resources for teachers and/or teacher
  associates in need of assistance.
• Reports from Resolution Team are shared monthly
  with the CREA Executive Board, Faculty Reps,
  Principals and District Administrators. All
  personnel specific information and building
  identification is kept confidential.
• The Resolution Team does have the authority to
  waive or extend certain provisions of the master
  contract, including personal and family illness
  leave of absences.

16
AdvocacyRepresentation

• All members of the bargaining unit (both CREA
  and CROTA) have basic representation to assure
  that the contract is not being violated.
• CREA/CROTA members receive a much higher level
  of service and representation, including access
  to all the resources of the NEA/ISEA/CREA and
  CROTA.
• NEA is the only professional organization that
  pays to have a local representative available to
  their members. Our representative in Cedar
  Rapids is our UniServ (NEAs term for Service
  Unit) Director, Kathy Krehbiel. Our UniServ
  Directors are backed up with a full team of
  experts including research specialists, lawyers,
  state and federal lobbyists, budget and finance
  experts and highly-qualified trainers in almost
  all areas of teaching and learning.

17
Advocacy Bargaining

• CREA and CROTAs bargaining teams are empowered
  to negotiate changes to the master contract,
  including salaries, benefits, working conditions,
  contract language, early separation, etc.
• The teachers bargaining team includes
  representation from every level elementary,
  middle school, secondary and specials. The
  President of CROTA, chairs the teacher associate
  bargaining team which also includes
  representation from the levels identified above.
  The bargaining teams both have resource members
  including the CREA President, the chairs of the
  Contract Maintenance and Contract Advancement
  Committees and the UniServ Director.
• The bargaining teams seek input from the CREA
  Executive Board, the Faculty Reps and the
  Committees for Contract Maintenance and Contract
  Advancement. The contract committees members
  from both CREA and CROTA insure that the two
  contracts maintain a high level of consistency.
• Both CREA and CROTAs contract are living
  language meaning that all parts of the contract
  are open to negotiation and change at all times!
  This gives our association the unique ability to
  respond to changes from the legislature, school
  board, association members, etc.

18
Advocacy Lobbying

• Every decision that affects education is a
  political decision. This reality has made it
  absolutely necessary for all education employees
  to keep our state and federal legislators
  informed about the impact and consequences of
  their decisions on our students.
• CREA/CROTA members are kept highly-informed
  about issues being debated and decided at the
  legislature through our Hotline publication and
  association newsletters from NEA, ISEA and CREA.
  This helps members be able to construct and
  deliver highly effective letters, emails, phone
  calls and personal contacts to the appropriate
  political decision-makers.
• ISEA employs three full-time lobbyists who help
  coordinate and focus our efforts. The Political
  Action Committee (PAC) of ISEA receives support
  through a state dues check-off. Members may
  choose not to participate in PAC. NEAs PAC is
  supported through members individual direct
  contributions, not through dues or payroll
  deduction. Our local PAC representatives
  organize interviews with candidates for political
  office. The participants at these local
  interviews make recommendations to the state PAC
  on who should receive our support and where we
  should channel our efforts and campaign
  assistance. Interview teams are balanced with
  equal numbers of Democrats, Republicans and
  Independent voters. Questions asked at the
  interview are directed at education issues. Our
  local and state PAC teams provide information to
  our members on who they believe will be the best
  education representatives in the state and
  federal legislatures and high political offices.

19
AdvocacyLegal Program

• In the event that a teacher or teacher associate
  member becomes involved in a work-related
  dispute, the association provides representation
  and legal assistance. This includes grievances,
  complaints from parents or students, law suits,
  criminal allegations, challenges of termination
  or discipline and disputes involving
  disability, unemployment, workers compensation,
  alleged abuse or licensure suspension, revocation
  or denial.
• Non-members frequently believe that the
  Association has to equally represent them for all
  the actions listed above. That is a BIG
  misunderstanding. The Associations
  responsibility to non-members extends only to
  enforcement of the contract! Services that are
  not provided to non members include
  representation or legal help for parent
  complaints, staff complaints, student complaints,
  workers comp issues, licensure issues,
  unemployment issues, harassment, injury, damages,
  abuse, misuse of funds, insubordination,
  discipline, separation and discharge just to
  name a few!
• The Association also provides members with
  access and reduced fees for attorney services for
  non job-related actions such as establishment of
  a living will, a last will and testament,
  divorce, estate actions, real-estate
  transactions, adoption, custody, etc.

20
AdvocacyMentoring

• The state has dictated a mentoring and induction
  program for first and second year teachers.
  Through cooperation between CREA and the
  District, a position was created for a
  Facilitator of Mentoring and Induction.
  Currently, CREA Executive Board member, Beth
  Hieronymus serves in that capacity. This
  commitment to ensuring the success of beginning
  teachers is unique in the state.
• CREA President, Tammy Wawro worked cooperatively
  with the University of Iowa to develop the
  E-Portfolio program. This program is available
  through the internet and can assist a beginning
  teacher, or even a more experienced teacher
  involved in this type of evaluation, to collect
  the artifacts that will result in an excellent
  professional portfolio of their work.
• Resolution Team has been provided the authority
  and resources to retain mentors for more
  experienced teachers identified as needing
  assistance.

21
AdvocacyAccess to Resources

• Members have unlimited access to all the
  resources of NEA, ISEA, Cedar Wood UniServ Unit,
  CREA, and CROTA. Concerns can be expressed and
  issues raised directly through the Association
  Rep(s) at each building, or by contacting any of
  the Associations officers and leaders, including
  the UniServ Director. All levels of the
  Association function as a true democracy. CREA
  and CROTA send delegates to both the National and
  State decision-making assemblies.
• The Association publications including NEA
  Today, ISEA Communiqué, and CREA On The Edge just
  to name a few, contain the best and most
  up-to-date information about what is happening in
  the field of education. Additionally, the
  Associations resources can be accessed by
  members through the internet. Check out
  www.creaonline.org
• .

22
AdvocacyPromoting Quality Education

• ISEA and NEAs public service announcements can
  frequently be seen and heard on the networks and
  local television and radio stations. Our
  advertising is seen in internal and external,
  national and local newspapers and magazines.
  Members and leaders are frequently featured in
  print and media interviews and documentaries.
• NEA and ISEA sponsor programs and there are many
  cooperative external ventures to recognize the
  achievement and excellence of educators. CREA
  provides member recognition during American
  Education Week and on National Teacher Day.
  CROTA celebrates their members on National
  Educational Support Professionals Day.

23
AdvocacyHaving a Voice/Vote/Input

• Only members are allowed to vote on contract
  improvements and changes.
• Members can raise an issue or concern and have
  it addressed and responded to at all levels of
  the Association. Non-members have no access
  through our networks.
• CREA/CROTA has a representative on the
  Superintendents Cabinet and to School Board
  meetings and work sessions.
• CREA/CROTA are active in the Chamber of Commerce.

24
Professional Growth Development

• Communications and Publications
• Instruction and Professional Development
  Mini-Workshops
• Conferences and Training
• Mentoring and Evaluation
• National Board Certification Support Group
• Leadership Development

25
Professional Growth DevelopmentCommunications
and Publications

• On The Edge CREAs award winning
  bi-monthly newsletter focusing on local issues as
  well as informing members on state and national
  hot topics.
• CREAonline.org the Associations official
  website includes issues of the newsletter and
  links to NEA, ISEA, the legislature, state
  departments and many other education sites.
  Also, your contract is available 24/7!
• Communiqué ISEAs newspaper that is mailed to
  your home monthly.
• NEA Today The leading educational information
  paper, focusing on issues and current hot topics
  across the country and containing tips for
  educators, links to other educational sites, book
  reviews, etc.
• ISEA Hotline Almost daily up-to-date
  information on the political issues affecting
  education in the country, in Iowa and right here
  in Cedar Rapids.

26
Professional Growth DevelopmentInstruction
Professional Development Mini-Workshops

• CREAs IPD (Instruction and Professional
  Development) Committee annually sponsors
  mini-workshops on topics of interest to
  educators. Opportunities for training include
  sessions on student led conference preparation,
  teacher/paraeducator communications and team
  building, and legal issues for educators. Other
  available workshops include IEPs and special
  education, the state standards and criteria,
  brain-based learning, and IPERS and retirement
  planning. Members are invited to suggest other
  workshop topics.

27
Professional Growth DevelopmentConferences and
Training

• Conference and training opportunities are
  offered throughout the year including NEAs
  Midwest Regional Leadership Conference, National
  Conference on the Concerns of Women and
  Minorities, National ESP (Educational Support
  Professionals) Conference, NEAs Midwest Regional
  Minority Conference, ISEAs Legislative
  Conference, ESP Conference, Student Member
  Conference, Higher Education Conference, Retired
  Member Conference and Summer Leadership
  Conference, CREAs Leadership Retreat and many
  other state and national workshops.
• NEA, ISEA, CWUU (Cedar Wood UniServ Unit) and
  CREA/CROTA offer scholarships (and sometimes
  expenses also) for members to attend these
  various training programs. Watch for
  announcements of these opportunities in your
  Association publications.

28
Professional Growth DevelopmentMentoring and
Evaluation

• Although state law now requires mentors for
  first and second year teachers, growth
  opportunities are not limited to only beginning
  teachers. Veteran staff needing assistance can
  receive the benefit of a mentor through a request
  to the Resolution Team.
• State law has also mandated that veteran teacher
  evaluations be in compliance with the standards
  and criteria. CREAs bargaining team worked very
  hard, in conjunction with the District to create
  contractual evaluation language that is workable
  for both teachers and administrators.
• It is important to note that career teachers in
  our system are not required to prepare a
  portfolio during their evaluation.
• Additionally, the contracts for both CREA and
  CROTA provide three levels of support programs
  for employees needing assistance.

29
Professional Growth DevelopmentNational
Board/Paraeducator CertificationSupport Groups

• As a result of CREAs excellent bargaining,
  teachers who achieve National Board Certification
  (NBC) will receive a 5 salary increase. NBC
  teachers who recertify receive a second 5 salary
  increase.
• CREA will sponsor a free cohort group to support
  members through the process. CREAs NBC teachers
  will be facilitating this group. Watch for
  further information and announcements in your
  Association publications.
• Excellent bargaining by CROTA has also led to a
  pay increase. Paraeducators who receive their
  State Paraeducator Certificate receive a 4
  salary increase.

30
Professional Growth DevelopmentLeadership
Development

• CREA offers members many opportunities for
  leadership and growth. We provide scholarships
  to many state and national conferences and
  workshops. Extra training opportunities are
  offered to CREA Association Reps at their monthly
  meetings. The CREA Executive Board, Committee
  Chairs and members all have access to more
  training and information and opportunities to
  practice and exhibit leadership skills. Many of
  the current administrators in our District are
  former Association members and leaders. Local
  leadership training includes a wide variety of
  topics including communication styles, mediation
  skills, education and the law, group process
  skills, dealing with difficult people, students
  rights, and teachers rights just to mention a
  few!

31
Networking

• Opportunities to Meet New People
• Community Projects
• Faculty Rep Assembly
• Social Gatherings
• Care Share
• Involvement with the School Board
• Recognition for Educators

32
NetworkingOpportunities to Meet New People

• Whether it is within your own building,
  district-wide, other area schools, the state
  urban network, within ISEA, nationally, or at one
  of our many web sites, CREA provides you with
  access and a tie to hundreds of education
  professionals just like yourself! Education
  conferences and workshops sponsored by the
  Association at the various levels provide
  wonderful opportunities for in-depth discussion
  of best practices in teaching, current
  educational issues, and tips on how best to
  survive and thrive in the teaching and learning
  profession.
• With CREAs many community involvement programs
  there are lots of opportunities to impact other
  organizations and groups. Some of our programs
  are public service projects that offer
  participants a warm feeling for helping those in
  need.
• Watch your Association publications for
  opportunities to meet new people and contribute
  to your own professional growth and pride!

33
NetworkingCommunity Projects

• CREA is involved in many human service and
  community outreach programs. Opportunities exist
  for you to be involved in
• The Holiday Parade
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters bowling fundraiser
• H.O. Maxey Memorial Food Drive
• Chamber of Commerce Education and Governmental
  Relations Committees
• School Board presentations and work sessions
• PTA Functions
• The Festival of Trees
• CREAs Public Relations Committee and/or the
  Care Share Committee
• The Linn County Educator of the Year Program
  sponsored by Farmers State Bank
• Read Across America Day
• Teacher Store access and volunteer workers

34
NetworkingFaculty Rep Assembly

• CREAs Association Reps in the buildings are the
  most important link in our leadership chain!
  Once a month, on the first Wednesday, the Reps
  meet at a central location. The meeting is
  dedicated to information sharing, updates,
  committee reports, training, treats, valuable
  prizes and camaraderie. Representatives take
  information back to their members and receive
  questions or concerns to submit. Each building
  selects their own Representatives. Faculties are
  encouraged to have multiple and alternate reps so
  that no group goes unrepresented at any of the
  meetings.
• CREA is always looking for more Representatives.
  If youd like to attend a meeting to get an idea
  of what would be involved, wed love to have you
  visit! If you are interested and want to
  discuss this opportunity further, please contact
  Tammy Wawro at TWawro_at_cr.k12.ia.us.

35
NetworkingSocial Gatherings

• While our CREA Executive Board and Association
  Rep meetings provide lots of opportunity for
  socialization of the leadership team, social
  events for members is still a work in progress.
  We experimented with the program by sponsoring
  tickets to a hockey game and to a big stage
  musical. Both events were well-attended and
  sparked quite a bit of interest. The CREA
  Leadership Committee is now exploring the option
  of offering other social opportunities including
  movie nights, a dance, a Planet X Saturday, other
  sporting events, and bus trips that could include
  shopping at the Mall of America, antiquing in
  Galena, Illinois, sightseeing when the leaves are
  changing colors, or a riverboat gambling
  expedition. We always encourage informal social
  gatherings of members like baby showers, wedding
  celebrations, payday parties, etc. Our purpose
  is to strengthen ties between members and
  members families.

36
NetworkingCare Share

• The Care and Share Committee is a function
  within the Public Relations Committee. This
  program attempts to recognize and celebrate
  accomplishments, send congratulations, and extend
  sympathy or concern to members and their families
  when life events happen. We count on the Faculty
  Reps to provide the information on our web site
  at www.creaonline.com, to contact one of the
  public relations team members so we can forward
  the information to Care Share. Our newsletter
  On The Edge is a great source for Care Share
  event announcements. The Project Manager for
  Care and Share is Erica Male and she can be
  contacted at emale_at_cr.k12.ia.us. Other members
  of the PR team include Ray Feuss, Jeannie
  Pfeiffer and Pete Clancy who can all be contacted
  through the district email system.

37
NetworkingInvolvement with the School Board

• The CREA President, Tammy Wawro, regularly
  attends school board meetings. She sits on the
  Executive Council and the Superintendents
  Cabinet representing the interests of teachers
  and teacher associates.
• Frequently, CREA is involved in presentations to
  the school board at their meetings or in a work
  session. Work session topics that we have shared
  with the school board include Resolution Team
  process and functions, site-based or shared
  decision-making, performance-based pay, living
  contract language, salary schedule alternatives
  and orientation to our contract and negotiations
  process. Presentations at the school board are
  frequently related to recognition of our members
  and their students.

38
NetworkingRecognition for Educators

• Each year CREA presents awards to educators,
  including the Linn County Educator of the Year
  and H.O. Maxey Humanitarian Award. Our local
  Educator of the Year is then nominated for ISEAs
  Educator of the Year Award. CREA also makes
  nominations for ISEA and NEA awards including the
  Charles F. Martin Award, the Humanitarian Award,
  ESP (Educational Support Professional) of the
  Year, the Team Award and Friend of Education
  Award. H.O. Maxey was the last local Charles F
  Martin Award Winner, Slayton Thompson won the
  ISEA Humanitarian Award several years ago, Greg
  Reed was honored with the Team Award and Sunny
  Story is was ESP of the Year for ISEA and NEA in
  2004.
• CREAs Leadership Team works to provide small
  gifts and recognition to our members both during
  American Education Week in November and on
  National Teacher Day in May and National ESP Day
  in November.

39
Hot Topics

• Discounts
• Insurance
• Meeting Standards Criteria, New Evaluations
• Lobbying for changes in the Iowa Teacher
  Compensation Legislation
• ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act) and
  No Child Left Behind
• Mentoring Model and E-Portfolio
• National Board Certification
• Elections

40
Hot TopicsDiscounts

• Member Access Discount Card
• ISEA is in its fifth year of the Member Access
  program. Each member in the state is given a
  personalized card. Members can take advantage of
  discounts by presenting their Access card at
  participating merchants. Savings may be as much
  as 50 and include discounts for golf, hotels,
  cruises, condos, resorts, eye care, shopping,
  restaurants, theme parks, entertainment, health
  products, auto services, hair cuts, whitewater
  rafting, ski and snowboarding, all-inclusive
  vacations, and much, much more! In addition,
  CREA/CROTA have added local businesses to offer
  even more discount opportunities to our members.

41
Hot TopicsInsurance

• No one in the District is satisfied with the
  insurance program and high cost of premiums.
  While that problem is not unique to Cedar Rapids,
  or even to Iowa, CREA believes that some major
  changes are necessary. We know that improvements
  and reform of MIIP are always going to be a
  priority. We were successful at getting a CREA
  Representative placed on the MIIP Board and CREA
  and CROTAs contract committees will continue
  working collaboratively with the District to seek
  out and explore viable options for improved
  health care options.
• Watch for updates from your Association Reps and
  in our Association publications. If you are
  interested in being involved in either the
  Contract Maintenance or Contract Advancement
  Committees that will be working on this project
  please contact the chairperson of either
  committee. Contract Maintenance is chaired by
  Tania Johnson and Contract Advancement is chaired
  by Shawn Thomsen. Tania and Shawn are available
  on the District email system as
  TaJohnson_at_cr.k12.ia.us and SThomsen_at_cr.k12.ia.us.

42
Hot TopicsMeeting Standards CriteriaNew
Evaluations

• The Iowa Teacher Compensation Law prescribed a
  process of standards and criteria for evaluations
  of beginning teachers. It also required that
  first and second year teachers receive the
  services of a mentor. All of that is fully
  implemented and Cedar Rapids has one of the best
  programs in the state thanks to our Mentor
  Coordinator, Beth Hieronymus and the
  Associations collaboration with the District.
  Watch for updated evaluation and support
  procedure information from your Association Rep,
  your CREA/CROTA bargaining teams and in your
  Association publications.

43
Hot TopicsLobbying for changes in the Iowa
Teacher Compensation Legislation

• CREA and CROTA both have non-traditional salary
  schedules that incorporate levels that provide
  salary growth opportunities. Levels are
  identified as additional educational coursework
  and training. The salaries in these schedules
  loop so there is no ceiling on what any teacher
  or teacher associate can earn.
• CREA has incorporated all of the legislated
  salary supplements (Phase 1 2 and Teacher
  Compensation funding) into one salary schedule
  making our beginning wage for teachers the
  highest in the state. Our career teacher
  salaries at the maximums in the schedule are also
  the highest in the state.
• CROTA is working hard in a national campaign to
  win a competitive living wage for teacher
  associates. They are also, through bargaining,
  working for contract language that would allow
  associates to have the option to be paid on a
  year round basis.
• If you would like an explanation of how the
  salary schedule works and can be read, please ask
  the Association Rep(s) in your building to
  request this information session through the
  UniServ Director.

44
Hot TopicsESEA (Elementary and Secondary
Education Act) No Child Left Behind

• The provisions of the ESEA that require that
  every student in every school must achieve at
  least one full year of growth in every subject,
  every year are particularly problematic for
  educators and public schools. Buildings that do
  not meet the standard of yearly growth will be
  placed on a list of schools in need of
  assistance and may be subject to penalties and
  sanctions, including the loss of funding and
  bargained agreements that protect the employees.
  NEA has made the reform of this legislation a
  priority. The President is key to this fight and
  it is going to mean that every education employee
  and concerned citizen, parent and voter is going
  to have to get involved! Watch for more
  information on this issue from your Association
  Rep and in your Association publications. If you
  want to be involved in the political campaign on
  this issue, please contact the CREA Governmental
  Affairs Chairperson, Roxann Dittmer at
  RDittmer_at_cr.k12.ia.us or the CREA PAC
  Chairperson, Kathy Ulrich at KUlrich_at_cr.k12.ia.us.
  

45
Hot TopicsMentoring Model and E-Portfolio

• Our District has been particularly successful in
  the development and implementation of a quality
  mentoring program for first and second year
  teachers. The program is overseen by Beth
  Hieronymus. CREA President, Tammy Wawro has also
  been a key player in the development of the
  mentoring program. Tammy worked with staff at
  the University of Iowa on a program that is now
  called E-Portfolio. E-Portfolio is an online
  guide that will assist new teachers (or veteran
  teachers) build a professional portfolio of their
  work. If you explore this web site at
  http//www.education.uiowa.edu/CR842/ you will
  see the Universitys logo, the Districts logo
  and CREAs logo with a hot link to our web site.
  Take a look at this when you can, were sure you
  will be impressed with the work of our
  Association! We are!

46
Hot TopicsElections

• To maintain a collaborative working
  relationship with the District, we need to be
  involved in the School Board election.
• To achieve making changes to the Iowa Teacher
  Compensation Law, we need to be involved in the
  election of our state officials and legislators.
• To achieve changes in the ESEA, we need to be
  involved in the election of our next President,
  Vice President , State Senators and Congressional
  Representatives.
• Unless WE change the people representing us, we
  cant fix the laws that need fixing! Its in our
  hands and its up to you, and you, and you! We
  may not like politics, but every decision that
  affects education is a political decision! Our
  local PAC (Political Action Committee) will be
  screening and recommending candidates for local,
  state and national offices. Watch for more
  information from your Association Rep(s) and in
  your Association publications. If you want
  up-to-the-minute, quality information, log on and
  become a subscriber to ISEA Hotline. Your Rep
  can give you the information needed to start
  getting the Hotline. If you want to be involved
  in candidate interviews, please contact Kathy
  Ulrich at KUlrich_at_cr.k12.ia.us.

47
Talking About Objections

• The Money Issues
• The Political Issues
• The Association Issues
• The Personal Issues

48
Talking About ObjectionsThe Money Issues

• Membership costs too much
• I can get the benefits without joining
• Health insurance premiums are going up faster
  than my salary
• I belong to PEI, AFT, HPERD, etc.
• I dont like the salary schedule

49
Talking About ObjectionsThe Money Issues

• Membership costs too much
• Actual cost is about 35 per paycheck from
  October through June less for new teachers and
  associates. Think of dues as job insurance. You
  wouldnt go without health insurance, home
  insurance, auto insurance and a host of others.
  Why would you leave your most important economic
  factor, your job, unprotected?
• You can save more than the cost of dues by using
  NEA Member Benefits and ISEA/CREA/CROTA Member
  Access discounts.
• You get what you pay for top notch legal
  representation, liability protection, a strong
  professional voice, influence where it counts,
  improved teaching and learning, strength in
  numbers and so much more!

50
Talking About ObjectionsThe Money Issues

• I can get the benefits without joining.
• The only time the Association is obligated to
  pursue a matter for a non-member is if that
  teacher alleges that the master contract has been
  violated in regard to their employment. A
  lawsuit would almost never fall under that
  umbrella. When we do get involved in a contract
  matter related to a non-member, we are there to
  represent the contract, not the teacher. That is
  a very different standard of service! For
  example, if we sit through a remediation meeting
  with a non-member, we only comment on whether or
  not the action plan meets the contractual
  standards. Then the teacher has to prove, on
  their own, whether or not they can make the
  necessary improvements to keep their job. For a
  member, we are there before the conference. We
  know the issues. We direct the discussion and
  write the action plan. The Association provides
  mentors, release time, counseling, materials and
  resources to make sure that the member does meet
  the standards for improvement and keep their job.
  In those rare instances where we have a teacher
  member who is not doing the job, we cut a deal
  with the district to get that teacher out with
  the maximum amount of dignity, a good financial
  settlement, and some ability to pursue their
  career elsewhere. In the case of a non-member
  who is not doing the job, we do not provide any
  assistance for a settlement package. Since a
  settlement package would constitute individual
  bargaining between the district and that teacher,
  and that is illegal in this state, the non-member
  leaves with nothing and their career trashed!
  Believe me, you do have to belong to get the
  benefits and services of the NEA/ISEA/CREA/CROTA!

51
Talking About ObjectionsThe Money Issues

• Health insurance premiums are going up faster
  than my salary
• CREA leadership is just as concerned about the
  crisis in health maintenance costs and insurance
  premiums. We are working to make change! CREA
  pushed hard to get a position on the MIIP Board
  so that we could make change from within. We are
  looking for new health insurance providers,
  better models for delivery of group health plans
  and education so that we are better and more
  informed consumers.
• There is much more work to do! We have to stick
  together to be powerful, bring about meaningful
  change and make this program better.

52
Talking About ObjectionsThe Money Issues

• I belong to PEI, AFT, some other professional
  organization
• Belonging to most professional organizations
  provides you with little or no legal protection.
  Other competing organizations offer you a cheap
  tort liability insurance policy and do nothing to
  support children and public education.
• PEI has no local representation or clout. It
  cannot bargain your salary or benefits and isnt
  respected or recognized in this district.
  Reimbursement for claims is made after the fact.
  You find your own attorney and pay for everything
  up front. Make sure you investigate the
  difference between PEIs meager tort liability
  policy and the full legal protection program
  provided by ISEA before you believe the
  misleading claims made by PEI.
• AFT has not had a presence in Iowa, or in Cedar
  Rapids for over 20 years.
• NEA/ISEA/CREA/CROTA is the only quality,
  full-service professional organization in town!
  36,000 educators in Iowa have chosen ISEA. Only
  a few hundred believe PEI is their best choice.
  Were number one for a reason! You do get what
  you pay for!

53
Talking About ObjectionsThe Money Issues

• I dont like the salary schedule.
• The salary schedule is just one part of a
  comprehensive master contract that protects your
  economic well-being, working conditions and
  employment status. Our schedule was changed when
  it no longer treated a majority of the members
  equitably. The current non-traditional structure
  allows for the distribution of new funds in a
  equitable manner. The schedule allows
  flexibility where it is needed. In 2003-2004
  educators in their 3rd-12th years of teaching got
  larger increases than their colleagues. That
  decision was based on research and is only
  possible with the type of salary schedule that we
  now have. While you may be unhappy with certain
  aspects of the schedule, projections consistently
  show that it is better for your career over all
  because there is no point where an educator tops
  out and stops getting equitable salary
  increases. The schedule rewards educational
  improvement!
• Members have a voice in changing things in the
  contract they dont like. Non-members have no
  voice and no vote!

54
Talking About ObjectionsThe Political Issues

• NEA is too political
• I dont like NEAs position on abortion/gay
  rights/gun control, etc.
• The Association only supports Democrats
• I would join the local if I didnt have to join
  NEA

55
Talking About ObjectionsThe Political Issues

• NEA is too political
• Every decision that affects education is a
  political decision.
• The more than 3.2-million-member National
  Education Association is the nation's leading
  advocate for children and public education.
  Since 1857, NEA has been working to advance the
  cause of public education and elevate the
  character of the teaching profession.
• And yet, NEA and America's public schools are
  often under attack by a well-funded and
  well-organized network of opponents. Some are
  motivated by economics. They want tax cuts,
  tuition vouchers, or they want to profit from
  resources now devoted to children and education.
  Some are motivated by the drive for political
  control. Teachers, public schools, and the
  Association provide convenient scapegoats --
  threats from which a candidate can claim to
  protect the voting public. Some are motivated by
  a desire to use public schools for religious
  instruction.
• NEA is the primary organization standing in
  their way. NEA and its members will work with
  anyone committed to addressing real needs, and we
  will oppose anyone who wants to take public
  schools away from parents, teachers, and
  taxpayers, or diminish their involvement.
• Advocates for children and public education must
  speak in terms that are simple, direct, and
  appeal to the concerns of parents and the general
  public. We must spend less time explaining and
  defending and more time telling people what we
  are doing to enhance teacher quality, raise
  student achievement, and improve public school's
  ability to educate every student.

56
Talking About ObjectionsThe Political Issues

• I dont like NEAs position on abortion/gay
  rights/gun control, etc.
• NEA supports reproductive freedom -- including
  the right to have children or not have children.
• The Association has long supported the current
  protections that assure women can make decisions
  appropriate for them. NEA's position for
  reproductive freedom is not the same as saying we
  are "for abortion." In fact, NEA has assisted a
  number of members who were harassed or terminated
  because they had made the decision to have a
  child -- against the objection of school
  administrators.
• NEA believes that children should be taught to
  celebrate diversity and practice tolerance
  related to other cultures and lifestyles.
• NEA supports limits on the sale, use, and
  distribution of certain types of guns, including
  handguns and semiautomatic weapons.
• The Association encourages the development of
  laws and policies that will reduce the incidents
  of gun violence in schools and communities.
  Nothing in our policies would encourage laws that
  would eliminate the use of guns for hunting and
  target practice.
• Limiting access to weapons is only part of a
  school safety strategy that should also include
  communication with parents, collaboration with
  community groups, law enforcement, and others,
  and well-publicized and uniformly endorsed code
  of conduct for students.

57
Talking About ObjectionsThe Political Issues

• The Association only supports Democrats
• NEA members are involved in politics as a means
  of being effective advocates for children and
  education.
• NEA and its state and local affiliates recommend
  candidates for office based on their positions on
  issues affecting children and public education.
  Republican and Democratic candidates are judged
  according to the same standards. Recommendations
  at the national, state, and local level are
  approved by committees that include both
  Republicans and Democrats.
• The Fund for Children and Public Education,
  NEA's political action committee, makes
  contributions to candidates and parties. It is
  made up of voluntary contributions by Association
  members and their families. Nationally,
  contributions average 6 per member.
• Elected and appointed officials set the budgets,
  make the policies, and design the programs for
  education at all levels. The involvement of
  Association members in the political process
  helps assure that teachers and education
  employees have a voice in those critical
  decisions.
• The Association also spends money to communicate
  with its members about issues and candidates.
  Association's political efforts help boost voter
  participation, make voters more informed, and
  ultimately help protect children and education.

58
Talking About ObjectionsThe Political Issues

• I would join the local if I didnt have to join
  NEA
• We are 3.2 million members strong because we are
  part of the NEA.
• NEA provides most of the funding for our local
  UniServ representative.
• Our local officers and UniServ staff need the
  backing and support of the staff at NEA and ISEA,
  including lobbyists, attorneys and research
  specialists.
• The NEA champions public education, helps you
  succeed with students, offers the information you
  need to stay up-to-date on your profession, helps
  you keep your students safe and healthy and opens
  opportunities to special professional grants and
  opportunities.

59
Talking About ObjectionsThe Association Issues

• The Association is too chummy with
  administration
• The Association is too adversarial
• I dont like the President/UniServ
  Director/Faculty Rep, etc.
• The Association is not effective
• We cant strike
• We should be more like the teamsters
• The Association supports bad teachers
• The Association protects coaches
• CREA took away our seniority rights
• The Association doesnt listen to members

60
Talking About ObjectionsThe Association Issues

• The Association is too chummy with
  administration
• The Association is a stronger advocate for the
  members when they are involved in the
  decision-making process. Its much more valid to
  help shape the decision so that it goes the way
  you want it to, rather than fight with the
  results of a decision that you dont like and
  cant support.
• That means having our CREA Presidents offices
  downtown and staying actively involved in all
  aspects of the District. We have access to
  pertinent and timely communications and
  information and can meet face-to-face with top
  officials of the district on a regular and
  on-demand basis.
• We are better able to serve our members when we
  cultivate a working relationship with the
  district that is based on trust, honesty,
  integrity, sharing and cooperation. The results
  speak for themselves. CREA is recognized in the
  state and nationally as a leader in the area of
  labor relations. We help make this district a
  good place to work and grow!

61
Talking About ObjectionsThe Association Issues

• The Association is too adversarial
• Many educators have experienced bargaining under
  an old and adversarial model. Any gains made in
  economic benefits or contract language were made
  through ugly fights and distasteful battles.
• The CREA has found a better way to do business
  with the district. We are united in a
  cooperative problem-solving process on a daily
  basis. This attitude and mode of operation
  transcends to bargaining. Therefore, contract
  negotiations go on all year long and are not the
  painful and agonizing process that many are
  familiar with.
• CREA involves their Contract Advancement
  Committee and Bargaining Team in meaningful
  dialog and conversations with our employer. The
  result is a contract full of benefits and
  opportunities with the right amount of
  flexibility to serve the needs of our diverse
  constituency.

62
Talking About ObjectionsThe Association Issues

• I dont like the President/UniServ
  Director/Faculty Rep, etc
• Our UniServ Director is a highly qualified,
  well-trained, strong advocate for teachers and
  students. While the UniServ Director does
  participate in the leadership of the Association,
  the direction of CREA is still up to the CREA
  leaders and members. Kathy Krehbiel is only one
  part of a large team of dedicated educators who
  help lead CREA.
• The President is elected by the CREA membership
  and has to stand for re-election every two years.
  If you dont like the President, as a member you
  can use your vote to make a change.
• Association Reps are appointed and CREA is
  always looking for volunteers. If you have a
  desire to make a difference in your building and
  would like to be an Association Rep, please
  contact CREA Leadership Chairperson, Kendra
  Holland at KHolland_at_cr.k12.ia.us.

63
Talking About ObjectionsThe Association Issues

• The Association is not effective
• Cedar Rapids is acknowledged in the state as one
  of the best and most progressive local
  associations. Our salary and benefit package,
  including early separation and our PEHP, is the
  best in the state.
• We are on the cutting edge with our mentoring
  and induction program, including E-portfolio.
• Our living language contract allows for regular
  and on-going negotiation and change.
• Members in professional jeopardy have received
  resources and support, above and beyond any
  contractual rights and obligations through our
  unique and effective working relationship with
  the District.

64
Talking About ObjectionsThe Association Issues

• We cant strike
• Teacher strikes are against the law in Iowa.
  Striking would not benefit our students and is a
  bad public relations image.
• In Iowa, as resolution to a bargaining impasse,
  we have final and binding arbitration. This is a
  better and stronger mechanism to settle contracts
  than striking. Even former Governor Branstad was
  not successful at setting aside an arbitrators
  award when he tried to take that battle to the
  courts.
• During a strike, teachers lose hundreds of
  dollars per day for each day of work lost. Most
  of those days are not made up or rescheduled
  after the strike is over and it takes years to
  rebuild any type of positive working
  relationship. Retaliation, hard feelings, and
  distrust abound after a strike. Arbitration
  allows us to settle our differences without all
  those negative side-affects.

65
Talking About ObjectionsThe Association Issues

• We should be more like the teamsters
• NEA has looked at the option for a merger with
  the teamsters on several occasions. The merger
  has never been accomplished because the
  philosophical differences between the two
  organizations is too great.
• As part of the teamsters we would be obligated
  to respect their picket lines.
• Our dues would increase.
• The teamsters are a union. NEA/ISEA/CREA/CROTA
  is a professional organization.

66
Talking About ObjectionsThe Association Issues

• The Association supports bad teachers
• Every education employee is entitled to due
  process if they are going to be disciplined or
  dismissed from employment. The Association only
  protects that right for due process, nothing
  more.
• CREA has been actively involved in the
  remediation processes for several years with the
  District. Many times that involves our leaders
  having to confront bad teachers and assist them
  in leaving their employment with some dignity.
  We assist members in the remediation process, but
  bottom line, if theyre not making the grade,
  theyre gone.

67
Talking About ObjectionsThe Association Issues

• The Association protects coaches
• The CREA contract allows the District to bypass
  a person in the seniority order when considering
  reductions, if that person is the head of a
  schedule C program and cant be readily replaced.
  The language is designed to protect the program
  for our students, not any one individual. Very
  few heads of schedule C programs are actually
  indispensable!

68
Talking About ObjectionsThe Association Issues

• CREA took away our seniority rights.
• Usually when we hear this objection, its
  related to someone not getting a transfer that
  they wanted. There is a broad misconception that
  transfer used to be based entirely on seniority.
  Seniority has always been one of several
  considerations in hiring. It has never been the
  sole determinant for transfer.
• Seniority is used in making decisions relative
  to surplussing, reduction in force and recall.
  CREA is a strong advocate when protecting
  members rights in these difficult staffing
  decisions.

69
Talking About ObjectionsThe Association Issues

• The Association doesnt listen to members.
• The Association has many opportunities for
  involvement and to listen to the voices of their
  members.
• Membership surveys are periodically submitted to
  the members to have input to the contract.
  Faculty reps are surveyed about the needs in the
  building. Members are surveyed to assess
  satisfaction and needs. CREA has a newsletter
  that entertains letters to the editor and
  questions for the Director. Our website
  www.creaonline.org provides the opportunity to
  direct messages and correspondence to Association
  leaders at all levels.
• We will continue to seek member input and look
  forward to hearing from you!

70
Talking About ObjectionsThe Personal Issues

• My spouse/church/family doesnt approve of unions
  and/or wont let me join
• Im just not a joiner
• I dont approve of unions
• Im a good teacher - I wont ever need the
  Associations help
• The District will take care of me if I get in
  trouble
• Im not interested
• Im too busy

71
Talking About ObjectionsThe Personal Issues

• My spouse/church/family doesnt approve of unions
  and/or wont let me join
• CREA is a professional organization dedicated to
  improved student achievement, protection of
  public education and excellent wage and salary
  packages for education employees. What does your
  spouse/church/family disapprove of in those
  goals?
• Perhaps we can provide more information on a
  specific issue that will help you have a
  meaningful discussion of this subject at home.
• I am certain your spouse, family and church
  would want your professional and economic
  well-being to be protected and supported. CREA
  does that!

72
Talking About ObjectionsThe Personal Issues

• Im just not a joiner.
• When you become a member of CREA, youre not
  just joining a club or a cause. Youre taking a
  positive action to protect your economic
  well-being, your family, children and public
  education.
• Whether or not you choose to become active in
  our efforts, you are making a statement to your
  colleagues that being professional is important
  to you.

73
Talking About ObjectionsThe Personal Issues

• I dont approve of unions.
• CREA is a professional organization. We provide
  you with contract and legal protection,
  opportunities for growth, and input into your
  profession.
• What is it about CREA that you dont approve of?
  Perhaps we can provide you with more information
  to assist in making this very important
  membership decision.
• Remember, change is made from within. If we
  arent everything youd like us to be, join, get
  involved and help us change and get better!

74
Talking About ObjectionsThe Personal Issues

• Im a good teacher. I wont ever need the
  Ass