Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/655903
ISEA Communiqué • isea.org March 2016 3 OPINION We will drive decisions that will impact classrooms in more positive ways. We will, of course, continue our efforts to ensure autonomy for our entire profession because without our voices having the leeway to make the right decisions, none of this works. And we will continue to make sure local leadership is included in decisions at the local level. This is an important step in the classroom-to-district pipeline. March 2016 – Vol. 53 No. 5 The ISEA Communiqué (ISSN 0019-0624) is published seven times a year (monthly except July & August; plus combined in October/ November, December/January, and April/ May) by the Iowa State Education Association, 777 Third St., Des Moines, IA 50309, 515-471-8000 or 1-800-445-9358. $3.87 of membership dues is for a year's subscription; for nonmembers, the annual subscription is $10. Periodical postage is paid at Des Moines and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address corrections to ISEA Membership Records, 777 Third St., Des Moines, IA 50309. Advertising: To advertise, contact Kimberly Hupp at 515-471-8000 or email khupp@isea.org. ISEA makes no representations regarding advertised products or services that are not endorsed by ISEA or NEA Member Benefits. Duplicate mailings? To stop duplicate mailings to the same household, contact Kimberly Hupp at 515-471-8000 or email khupp@isea.org. President: Tammy Wawro Vice President: Mike Beranek Treasurer: Tom McLaughlin NEA Directors: Ray Feuss, Joshua Brown Executive Director: Mary Jane Cobb Editor: Mike Wiser Editorial Assistant: Kimberly Hupp Visit us on the web at isea.org Constructed in the middle of the night on August 13, 1961, the Berlin Wall was a physical barrier between West and East Germany. Built to keep East Germans from fleeing to the West, it divided Germany's capital and for 28 years remained a symbol of the Cold War. When it fell, it was celebrated around the world. Finally, families, friends and citizens were united again. Against this backdrop, I had the honor of participating in the 2016 International Summit on the Teaching Profession held in March in Berlin. I was one of three representatives chosen by the National Education Association to take part in a delegation participating in the fifth annual event of labor unions and education groups from 33 countries around the world. A capital that was once so divided hosted a summit for educators that symbolized the unifying issues and concerns we have in our profession. The summit was the first of its kind when it was started in 2011. It's designed to engage governments and teacher organizations from high- performing and improving educational systems in discussions about how to create a stronger profession. The summit is hosted by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development and the Education International, which is the global federation of teacher unions. The NEA, the American Federation of Teachers , the U.S. Department of Education and the Council of Chief State School Officers participated in a four-day meeting focusing on teacher leadership and elevating the profession. Iowa is a leader in our professional practice with the Teacher Leadership Initiative. By the end of this year, 25 percent of our profession will be in teacher leadership positions. We will drive decisions that will impact classrooms in more positive ways. We will, of course, continue our efforts to ensure autonomy for our entire profession because without our voices having the leeway to make the right decisions, none of this works. And we will continue to make sure local leadership is included in decisions at the local level. This is an important step in the classroom-to- district pipeline. One of the most remarkable experiences at the summit was our similarities. European countries have opened their borders to refugees and are welcoming them into classrooms. In Berlin, a local high school has turned into a boarding house where classrooms are set up with bunk beds and cafeterias to feed families. Being culturally competent and successfully teaching students who come from a place other than our own drove a large part of our conversations. It is always inspiring to hear how hard educators are working to make families who have fled desperate situations feel more comfortable. Iowa's ELL population has doubled over the last 10 years. While school districts in Iowa feel varying levels of impact, we are all feeling the effects of overcrowded classrooms, having too little time in the day, and being short-changed on regular curricular and other staffing needs. Perhaps most satisfying was our collective voice raised in support of what was truly best for the students in our care. Representatives from thirty-three countries discussed ways to elevate our profession, improve our craft, listen to the voices in the classroom, make more time for professional development and help the students who need it most. These issues are universal and cross borders. Berlin was home for too many years to so much hatred and divisiveness. My trip on behalf of our union brought out nothing but unity and hope for our profession, our students and the future of public education. I bought a souvenir piece of the Berlin Wall to remind me of what so many people can do when we come together to tear down barriers and elevate each other. I aim to continue that in Iowa. Global issues, local solutions by Tammy Wawro, ISEA president, twawro@isea.org - 9 - 9 - 9 Untitled-2 1 11/16/09 7:33:41 PM - 9 A bit of the Berlin Wall