Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/587562
COMMUNIQUÉ A PUBLICATION OF THE IOWA STATE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION – OCT/NOV 2015 – Vol. 53, No. 2 IN THIS ISSUE: OPINION Why Hillary? NEW SCIENCE STANDARDS Advice from a fellow teacher MEMBERS AT WORK Going the extra mile 3 9 11 Set it... Set it... and forget it! and forget it! E-DUES AVAILABLE NOW! E-DUES AVAILABLE NOW! FOLLOW US ON: Central Academy in Des Moines is an eight-minute walk from the Iowa governor's residence at Terrace Hill. But the education discussion happening tonight in Central Academy's auditorium is worlds apart from what one imagines happens inside the mansion. "A student is more than a test score," Des Moines Education Association President Andrew Rasmussen tells the crowd of roughly 50. "I know this from my classroom. You know this because you know these kids." It's a good turnout for a warm September evening in Des Moines. Among the audience are state Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines of Des Moines, local non-profit leaders, 2015 Iowa Hillary Clinton won the recommendation of the National Education Association following successive votes by the NEA Political Action Committee and the NEA Board of directors in Washington, DC. The NEA invited candidates who are seeking either the Republican Party or Democratic Party nomination for president to participate in the NEA's recommendation process. Clinton, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont and former Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley chose to participate. In securing the recommendation, Clinton received support from 75 percent of the NEA Board's voting members, well above the 58 percent needed. "I am so proud of the thoughtful, thorough and incredibly rich discussion that your elected leaders held. It was truly what democracy looks like," National Education Association President Lily Eskelsen Garcia said following the recommendation. "I am also extremely proud of this decision because I know that Hillary is a strong leader who will do what's best for the future of all of America's students and public schools." NEA Executive Director John Stocks said he was "totally convinced" Clinton had a deeper understanding of the issues confronting public education than any other candidate. "By opening new horizons for children, they spark new ideas, innovations, and industries. Our educators are the frontline fighters building a stronger and more prosperous America--and I know it is not an easy job," Clinton said after thanking the NEA for its support. She then shared an anecdote she had previously shared with members in Iowa during this year's Summer Leadership Conference. "I know from personal experience that a teacher can make a profound difference in a child's life. My mother had a difficult and painful childhood, and when she didn't have enough to eat, her first-grade teacher noticed--and quietly shared her own lunch," she said. "Decades later, I am grateful to that teacher every day." Reaching Out To Build a Stronger Association NEA Recommends Clinton for President See COALITIONS page 8 Local Associations Work through Community Coalitions for Public Education Fairfield High School Teacher Scott Slechta is seen through the screen of a video camera while teaching his second period students. Slechta is one of four Iowa State Education Association members featured in an ISEA video which promotes the Iowa Caucuses on February 1. You can find the video posted on the Iowa State Education Association YouTube page after October 16. Hillary Clinton speaks to Iowa State Education Association members at the 2015 Summer Leadership Conference in Altoona.