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COMMUNIQUÉ A PUBLICATION OF THE IOWA STATE EDUCATION ASSOCIATION – DEC 2016/JAN 2017 – Vol. 54, No. 3 IN THIS ISSUE: OPINION Looking Forward Legislative Guide Teacher Evaluations 3 6-8 11 Set it... Set it... and forget it! and forget it! EFT AVAILABLE NOW! EFT AVAILABLE NOW! New majority; new reality 'When you admit you are struggling...that's more powerful' Education Savings Accounts, vouchers, expansion of charters and online schools and limitations on the ability of public school employees to bargain on wages, hours, insurance, evaluations, and health and safety are all likely to find their way into legislation coming from Des Moines and Washington, DC. These are just some of the challenges to strong public schools we expect to see in the next two years under single party rule in both the Iowa Legislature and the US Congress. Iowa State Education Association President Tammy Wawro, Executive Director Mary Jane Cobb and ISEA staff are meeting with legislative leaders from both parties, working with other labor organizations, developing bargaining strategies for chief negotiators and making sure local presidents have all the information they need to best serve members and their students going forward. Here is a short list of what we expect may happen in the next two years and what you can do to support your students, your schools and your colleagues. These are not fights we sought, but we've been preparing for years and we're ready for them. Iowa Most of the change impacting Iowa families and education professionals will come from the Statehouse. Shelly Vroegh's deft touch with her fifth graders is evident as they file into class this early afternoon in late November, pick up their tablets and head to their seats. Those who don't have a tablet on the shelf – one of Vroegh's colleagues had borrowed some earlier – take their seats and pull out the books they've been reading for the last few weeks. They do it quickly, quietly and efficiently as Vroegh walks to the center of the classroom to explain the day's lesson plan. Vroegh has received praise for her classroom management, is a lead mentor in the Norwalk School District, an Iowa State Education Association member, an elementary math curriculum leader and instructional coach. She's also the 2017 Iowa Teacher of the Year. Earlier this year, Vroegh took some time to talk to the ISEA about her students, her profession and her Aunt Susie, who – only three years her senior and born with Down syndrome – inspired her to a career in public education. What was it about your Aunt Susie that inspired you to take up this career? Susie and I, because we were so close in age, grew up together. From a very young age I didn't see Susie being different from me or my sister. We just had a lot of fun together. As I got older I understood some of the challenges she faced with Down syndrome. Just watching her persevere and overcome, it was really inspiring. She was a Special Olympian. She had won a gold medal in the Special Olympics and was on the cover of Parade (magazine). I remember just being filled with pride. Why is classroom management so important? I do believe that all kids can learn at high levels if you set the bar and you teach them skills they need and you provide that support. I think building that culture where the kids know we care about them and we believe in them is really important. We spend a lot of time at the beginning of the year in those first weeks, talking to the kids and FOLLOW US ON: What can public education professionals, parents and advocates expect with the GOP in control of state government? Shelly Vroegh is a fifth-grade teacher, ISEA member, football mom, Special Olympics volunteer and the 2017 Iowa Teacher of the Year. see VROEGH on page 5 see REALITY on page 10 The central dome of the Iowa State Capitol. 2107 Iowa Teacher of the Year Shelly Vroegh talks with one of her students about the book the student is reading. Vroegh teaches fifth grade at Lakewood Elementary in Norwalk and also serves as an instructional coach.