• Student Program Board Members
• Resolutions Committee (Student Representatives)
• NEA Standing Committees
• State Student Leaders and Contacts 
• Advisory Committees  

NEA Student Program Board Members

Jenna Nameth (2007-08)
Ohio - Youngstown State University
jnameth@sbcglobal.net

Todd Roberts (2007-08)
Kansas - Emporia State University
robertstodd@hotmail.com

Melinda Schneider (2007-08)
Nebraska - Wayne State University
melinda.schneider@yahoo.com

Resolutions Committee

Heather Allison (2007-08)
Alabama - University of Alabama-Huntsville
heathercnc@hotmail.com

Adam Clough (2007-08)
Indiana - Indiana University
luvtheatrezz@aol.com

Ge'ron Tatum (2007-08)
Missouri - Lincoln University
nemo_snea@yahoo.com

NEA Standing Committees (2007 - 08)

Employee Advocacy
Brian Hodges
Kentucky

Human/Civil Rights
Erica Navarro
Washington

Legislation
Chantell Allen
Missouri

Membership Advisory Committee
Andrea Hargrove
Indiana

Membership Services & Affiliate Relationships
Kanika Welch
Mississippi

Professional Standards and Practices
Michelle Howell
Arkansas

Sexual Orientation Gender Identification
TBA

Women's Issues
Vielka Elvebak
California

Advisory Committee of Student Members (2007 - 2008)
 

Anthony Daniels Chairperson (2006 - 2008) Washington, DC adaniels@nea.org
Jermaine Coleman Tennessee thesteageneral@yahoo.com	Ashley Evett Illinois ajevett@ilstu.edu	Melanie Garrett Washington wsuteacher@gmail.com
Marchell Josie Ohio mjosie7356@aol.com	Averill Kelley Nevada kelleya4@unr.nevada.edu	Picture Not Available Aaron Merkin Wyoming amerkin@uwyo.edu
Sarah Odachowski Massachusetts sodachowski@gmail.com	Tawna Pitts Texas tawna.pitts@gmail.com	Clayton Schrader Kansas neaclayton@yahoo.com

Student Resources

NEA Professional Library and Publications

One of the benefits of NEA membership is having a wealth of information at your fingertips. Some publications of interest to Student Program members include:

Tomorrow's Teachers: This magazine is published annually for all NEA Student Program members. Browse our article archive.

NEA Today: This monthly publication is distributed to all NEA members. Past issues are archived.

A Better Beginning: This publication, made possible by the NEA New Teacher Support Initiative, is a step-by-step guide for NEA local affiliates interested in creating support systems for new teachers.

Handbook for Local Leaders: This essential 45-page manual gives you everything you need to manage your NEA Student Program chapter.

Make It Happen: Teach Video Series: This four-video series is designed for use in campus classrooms and for NEA Student Program activities. Titles include:

• Prepared Not Scared
• Don't Miss The Boat
• The Job Interview
• A Special Mission

Contact NEA's Student Program Organizational Specialist to get this series for your chapter.

Recruitment and Retention of Educators: This NEA program addresses the growing teacher shortage in our public schools. Targeted issues include ethnic minority, gender, and subject-area shortages.

Quick Clicks

NEA: Check out the Web site for Association news; links to NEA publications, state affiliates, and member benefits; information on special events such as NEA’s Read Across America; and sites for and about members. Don’t forget to visit the Student Program discussion board to chat with your fellow members.

New Teacher Tips

Works4Me: Whether you’re looking for strategies to keep your students on task or just get yourself organized, NEA’s Works4Me program has the answer. The online library includes more than 400 tips, submitted by fellow educators, offering practical solutions to just about any classroom issue. Be sure to join the mailing list to receive new tips by e-mail each week.

Teachers Network: Teachers Network is a nationwide, nonprofit education organization that identifies and connects innovative teachers exemplifying professionalism and creativity within the public schools. The Web site includes lesson plans, online professional development courses, and information about grants and videos available to teachers. Don’t miss the “Daily Classroom Specials,” which feature project ideas, tips for working with parents, and special advice for new and substitute teachers.

Survival Guide for New Teachers:The U.S. Department of Education brings together the reflections of award-winning first-year teachers in this handy online guide for beginning educators. The guide focuses on teachers’ relationships with their colleagues, university professors, and students’ parents, all of which play crucial roles in their success on the job.

First Years: This Web site, started and maintained by two veteran educators, offers classroom activities, sample letters to parents, tips for classroom management, subject-specific lesson plans, and free classroom posters and school clip art. Visitors can join an e-mail listserv for student and beginning teachers as well.

Yes I Teach: This site, maintained by the Florida Education Association, offers lesson plans, articles on students with special needs, classroom management tips, message boards, and even a little bit of humor for teachers of all levels. Users can submit stories and ideas of their own to the site and link to other useful Web resources.

Education World: Tips for interviews, lesson plans, technology integration,professional development, and educator issues are just some of the topics covered on the Education World Web site. You’ll also find information on communicating with parents,managing your finances, and even handling holidays in the classroom. Don’t miss the icebreaker suggestions and sample worksheets and handouts.

Teachers.net: Teachers.net is all about peer support and there are plenty of offerings for new teachers. Have a burning question you need answered? Go to the Beginning Teachers chatboard. Need inspiration on how to engage kids with a particular topic? Browse the database of more than 3,500 free lesson plans, collected since the Web site’s inception 11 years ago. You can connect with other new teachers in your subject area or grade level and get in on live chats.

Community Outreach

NEA’s Read Across America: Celebrate literacy all yearlong with NEA’s Read Across America Web site. You’ll find tips and project ideas for the annual event, free posters and bookmarks to download and print, lists of popular books, and information and resources from NEA’s partners. Be sure to sign up for the monthly e-mail newsletter to receive the latest updates on literacy issues and special discounts on members-only merchandise.

Learn and Serve: Learn and Serve America provides grants to community-oriented school projects. The program helps nearly one million students, from kindergarten through college, meet community needs, while they improve their academic skills and learn the habits of good citizenship. Recipients use the grants to create new programs or replicate existing ones and to train staff, faculty, and volunteers. For more, call 202-606-5000 or visit the Web site.

National Institute for Literacy: Help expand the social and economic opportunities for individuals with few or no literacy skills by teaching them how to read and write. This federal organization supports the development of high-quality literacy services and compiles data about literacy rates among various population groups in the United States.

National Youth Leadership Council : The NYLC promotes service-learning through youth camps, conferences, exchanges, forums, and awards. The Council supports projects that integrate community service with academic curricula and oversees the National Service-Learning Exchange, which connects community service student organizations with 450 volunteer peer mentors with experience on service-learning projects. Visit the NYLC Web site or go directly to the National Service-Learning Exchange.

Special Education

NEA’s IDEA Web site: Stop by NEA’s site on special education and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act for current research, updates on IDEA legislation, and resources for educators working with students with disabilities.

Council for Exceptional Children: The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) works with students with disabilities and the gifted. The organization advocates for sound government policies and offers opportunities for professional development to special education teachers.

Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services:The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) supports special education programs for children, youth, and adults. OSERS also conducts research and publishes information on issues related to special education.

National Clearinghouse for Professions in Special Education:NCPS gathers, organizes, and disseminates information for recruiting, preparing, and retaining individuals interested in serving children with disabilities. The Web site includes information on financial aid available to aspiring special educators, research and statistics on students with special needs, and resources for job seekers.

National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities : The center provides a variety of resources on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators, and other professionals. The Web site includes information on programs and services for infants, children, and youth with disabilities; IDEA; the No Child Left Behind law; effective practices for children with disabilities; materials for  parents; and links to professional associations.

The National Association of Special Education Teachers: (NASET) supports those preparing for or teaching in the field of special education.  Members have access to comprehensive databases containing thousands of resources and materials; topics include exceptional students and disability information, special education and the law and practical resources for special education teachers. The Special Educator e-Journal keeps members informed and a career center offers current job openings, career advice, career fact sheets, and state licensure information.

Political Action

NEA’s Legislative Action Center: Keep up with news from Capitol Hill at NEA’s Legislative Action Center. You’ll find updates on bills designed to improve the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as well as information about other legislation before Congress. You can track your state senator’s or representative’s voting record and even send an e-mail message to your state and federal legislators. Don’t forget to sign up for the e-mail action alerts!

Center on Education Policy: As a national, independent advocate for public education and for more effective public schools, the Center helps Americans better understand the role of public education in a democracy and the need to improve the academic quality of public schools. The Center on Education Policy conducts research and informs the public about topics such as testing, vouchers, and school improvement.

National Association for the Education of Young Children: NAEYC is an organization of early childhood educators and others dedicated to improving the quality of programs for children from birth through third grade. NAEYC works to improve professional practice and working conditions in early childhood education and to build public support for high quality early childhood programs.

American Association of University Women: Since 1881, AAUW has focused on expanding women’s rights in academia and other areas. Many projects focus on increasing girls’ interest and achievement in math, science, and technology. AAUW staunchly defends civil rights, gender equity, and women’s health and reproductive choices.

American Civil Liberties Union: The ACLU defends the civil rights guaranteed by the U.S Constitution. Some of the ACLU’s focus areas include civil rights in schools, the separation of church and state, and the rights of minorities.

Close Up Foundation: The Close Up Foundation’s programs encourage teachers, students, and young adults to participate in the American democratic process through trips to Washington, D.C., and activities with local and state governments. Close Up uses a hands-on approach to educate people about how the government functions.

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People: For the past 93 years the NAACP has worked for equity and democracy by opposing discriminatory and unjust policies. The primary focus of the NAACP remains the protection and enhancement of the civil rights of African Americans and other minorities. The NAACP works at the national, regional, and local level to secure civil rights through advocacy for supportive legislation.

National Coalition Against Censorship: The National Coalition Against Censorship works to educate its members and the public about the dangers of censorship. Functioning as an alliance of 50 nonprofit organizations, NCAC denounces the suppression of intellectual, artistic, social, and political activities protected by the First Amendment. The group believes that freedom of speech, movement, thought, and expression are fundamental in a democratic society.

Anti-Defamation League: The Anti-Defamation League combats anti-Semitism, bigotry, and intolerance on various fronts. The organization helps the victims of hate crimes, works to protect individual civil rights, lobbies legislators, and educates people about the dangerpresented by hate groups. The Web site includes programs and resources to help teachers challenge prejudice and discrimination.

Labornet: Labornet compiles online information about labor unions in the United States and abroad. The site highlights workers’ grievances and labor campaigns and offers news to keep workers informed about union activities. Visitors to the Web site will find links to labor news publications; labor, employment, and government statistics; and relevant legislation.

Human Rights Campaign: The Human Rights Campaign defends the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered citizens. HRC effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support to candidates for federal office, and works to educate the public on a wide array of topics, including workplace, family, and discrimination issues, that affect gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered Americans.

Teaching Tolerance: Founded in 1991 by the Southern Poverty Law Center, Teaching Tolerance provides educators with free educational materials that promote respect for differences and appreciation of diversity in the classroom and beyond. The Web site offers information on classroom activities, tools, grants, and a link to Teaching Tolerance magazine. Visitors to the site also can register for a monthly e-newsletter.

National Dropout Prevention Center: The NDPC provides information for researchers, educators, and policy makers about at-risk students. The NDPC also serves as a clearinghouse on issues related to dropout prevention and offers strategies designed to increase the graduation rate in America ’s schools.

Grants

NEA Foundation: The NEA Foundation awards grants to educators who propose innovative and promising ways to help all students experience academic success and reach their full potential, especially those who have been historically underserved by society’s institutions. NEA Student Program members can partner with eligible teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty who submit grant applications. Examples of grant-funded work include study groups, action research, lesson study, and innovative project-based learning that helps close the achievement gap. Grant amounts range from $1,000 to $3,000.

The Foundation Center: The Foundation Center collects and organizes the names of hundreds of people and organizations that provide funding for socially significant projects. Visitors to the Web site can search an online database for corporate and foundation funding or request a free CD-ROM full of sources. The Center also provides information and research about grant seeking and philanthropic efforts.

Federal Resources for Educational Excellence (FREE): More than 30 federal agencies joined together in 1997 to create the FREE Web site. The site includes information on hundreds of federally supported teaching and learning resources in a variety of subject areas, from the arts to vocational education, and adds new resources monthly.

The National Science Foundation: With an annual budget of about $5.5 billion, the NSF represents the primary funding source for approximately 20 percent of all federally supported basic research conducted by America ’s colleges and universities. In many fields such as mathematics, computer science, and the social sciences, the NSF is the major source of federal backing. The NSF also offers special funding programs specifically for undergraduate and graduate students.

Education News

NEA Today: Stay up to date on education issues and Association news with NEA Today. The magazine is published eight times a year and is available online.

Education Week: This weekly publication includes local, state, and national education news and covers issues from preschool through grade 12. Education Week also publishes periodic special reports on topics ranging from technology to textbooks. The Web site also includes links to education stories from daily newspapers.

ERIC: The Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) is a national information system designed to provide ready access to an extensive body of education-related literature. The searchable database contains more than one million documents about education issues.

Job Market

Teachingjobs.com: This Web site maintains information on thousands of available positions in schools in the United States and overseas. Job seekers can receive newsletters and updates by e-mail about the most recent job openings.

Teachers-Teachers.com: This free service allows applicants to post their résumés and cover letters online, search for jobs by location, receive news about available teaching positions, view school Web sites, and send application materials electronically.

GreatTeacher.net: This Web site offers a free service that allows applicants to search for teaching openings by geographical location. Each ad includes a job description and contact information. Applicants also can post their résumés online at the site.

American Association for Employment in Education: AAEE provides information to college career centers, school districts, and teacher candidates about the education job market. On its Web site, preservice teachers will find helpful job hunt publications, links to online job databases, and information on teacher certification. Check out the annual supply and demand report for information about the need for teachers in your field.

Bureau of Labor Statistics: The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a branch of the U.S. Department of Labor, collects and distributes data about the current job market. In the Bureau’s Occupational Outlook Handbook you’ll find detailed job descriptions, information on working conditions, training and education required, wage estimates, and future job prospects for a variety of occupations. You can search the handbook online for statistical information about education employment.

NEA Professional Library Featured Selections

NEA Professional Library : NEA has hundreds of book and video titles available on a wide variety of education topics. Be sure to get your career off to a good start with our  Graduation Gift Pack, a collection of three great handbooks for teaching rookies, each one full of classroom-tested tips from veterans who know what works—and what doesn't. NEA Student Program members are eligible for member discounts on NEA Professional Library purchases.

Q & A: The Most Provocative Questions Asked of Education Professionals Today and How to Answer Them

David L. Smith and Lynn Coffin

Are you wondering why it’s important for educators to join the Association? Have you had to defend your career choice or public education in general? If so, you’re not alone. Thousands of teachers and support professionals struggle to overcome the misinformation that surrounds public education today. Written in a straight-forward, easy-to-read format, Q & A helps you answer those tough questions. Available to Student members for $9.95.

The Best of Works4Me-2

NEA Checklist Series

You loved the first edition of The Best of Works4Me, so we went back to the source—experienced classroom teachers—to bring you more “tried and true” tips on organizing your classroom, managing school relationships, using new technology and much, much more! Available to Student members for $4.50.

How to Develop a Professional Portfolio: A Manual for Teachers Third Edition

Dorothy M. Campbell, Pamela Bondi Cignetti, Beverly J. Melnyzer, Diane H. Nettles, Richard M. Wyman Jr.

This versatile and practical book helps pre-service and in-service teachers create a teaching portfolio to use in interviews and throughout their teaching careers. This manual provides clear, manageable, step-by-step guidelines and tips for developing professional portfolios. Available to Student members for $24.95.

The Discipline Checklist: Advice from 60 Successful Teachers
Revised Edition

NEA Checklist Series
Ken Kosier

How would you like to consult with dozens of your colleagues without leaving your desk? This checklist lets you do just that! Sixty teachers—each highly successful at maintaining discipline—share their secrets of classroom management and motivating students. This practical checklist will help you prepare for beginning the school year, coach you on modeling positive interactions, and remind you to maintain flexibility in your discipline strategies. Available to Student members for $4.50.

Countdown to the First Day of School
Revised Edition

NEA Checklist Series
Leo M. Schell and Paul Burden

Does the thought of the first day of school give you that sinking feeling because you’re not as prepared as you could be? Help is at hand! This bestseller’s time-saving checklist format features tips that can help the beginning, transfer, or student teacher prepare for the first day of school—and the entire year. You’ll find practical advice for getting acquainted, determining procedures and rules, and organizing your classroom and materials. Available to Student members for $5.50.

Classroom Management

This kit is designed to sharpen your skills in managing student behavior both inside and outside the K-12 classroom. You'll get tips on how to creat a good classroom floor plan, establish and reinforce rules, communicate with parents, write behavior contracts, and creat effective time-out strategies. Available to Student members for $14.95.

The First-Year Teacher: Teaching with Confidence (K-8)  Revised Edition

Karen A. Bosch and Katharine C. Kersey

This popular book, which features 24 new pages of information, offers beginning teachers a step-by-step plan for their first four weeks on the job. The guide also includes tips for communicating with parents, scripts for parent-teacher conferences, timesaving strategies for handling paperwork, solutions to common discipline problems, and activities to acclimate elementary and middle school students to a new classroom. Available for $16.95.

But High School Teaching is Different! Success Strategies for New Secondary Teachers

Mary C. Clement

This book addresses the specific needs of preservice and beginning secondary teachers. Preservice teachers will find useful strategies and practical advice on getting the most from their education programs and starting the job search. New teachers will benefit from the tips on classroom management, effective communication, and professional growth. Available for $5.50.

Meeting the Challenge: Special Education Tools That Work for All Kids

Patty Ralabate

This toolkit offers general and special educators effective strategies to help struggling students overcome academic or behavior difficulties. It includes useful ideas and time-saving tips as well as sample checklists, lesson plans, rubrics, and conference planning sheets that teachers can copy or customize to meet their needs. Available for $15.95.

Pitfalls and Potholes: A Checklist for Avoiding Common Mistakes of Beginning Teachers
Revised Edition

Barbara A. Murray and Kenneth T. Murray

This handy guide will help you avoid many of the mistakes new teachers say they wish someone had warned them about in college. You’ll find tips for landing a job, managing student behavior, getting along with administrators, avoiding lawsuits, and more. Available for $4.50.

Bright Ideas: A Pocket Mentor for Beginning Teachers
Revised Edition

Mary C. Clement

Providing practical advice in a handy checklist format, this book offers helpful tips on getting your first job, establishing communication with parents and colleagues, managing your classroom, and preparing lessons—perfect for beginning educators looking for a bit of wisdom and guidance. Available for $4.50.

State Departments of Education 

Education Organizations and Issues

• U.S. Department of Education
• American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education
• Community Teachers Institute
• Future Educators of America
• Latino Teacher Project
• National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
• The Praxis Series/National Teachers Exam (NTE): Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers
• National Council on Teacher Quality

Education Publications

• Education Week: includes an archive or articles and a state-by-state analysis of the education industry
• U.S. Department of Education's Survival Guide for New Teachers  
• EducationNews.org
• Ever wondered what educators mean when they refer to "authentic assessment" or "Bloom's Taxonomy?" The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development has published "A Lexicon of Learning" that defines educational terms in everyday language.

Professional Development

• Teachers Network.org :  is a nationwide, non-profit education organization that identifies and connects innovative teachers who exemplify professionalism and creativity within public school systems.  Over 40,000 public school teachers have received Teachers Network grants and fellowships in the areas of curriculum, leadership, policy, and new media.

• The ThinkQuest for Tomorrow's Teachers (T3) program brings a new approach to technology use and integration for teacher education faculty, pre-service and current K-12 Educators and their students.

Student Program Chapter Sites

Web Sites

Arkansas

• Arkansas Education Association

California

• CSU Fullerton
• Chabot College
• CSU Monterey Bay
• CSU San Marcos
• Sonoma State University
• UCLA
• West Valley College

Georgia

• The Georgia Association of Educators - Student Program at Georgia State University (GAE-SP)

Illinois

• Illinois Education Association Student Program

Indiana

• Ball State University
• Indiana Student Education Association
• Indiana SEA - Indiana State University Northwest
• University of Southern Indiana

Iowa

• Iowa State Education Association-Student Program

Kentucky

• Kentucky Education Association Student Program

Michigan

• Michigan Education Association Student Program
• Michigan State University - Student Michigan Education Association
• Student MEA - Oakland University

Missouri

• Missouri Education Association Student Program

Montana

• NEA-MFT (Student Program-Montana)

Nebraska

• College of Saint Mary

North Dakota

• North Dakota Education Association Student Association

Oklahoma

• Student Oklahoma Education Association

Pennsylvania

• Student Pennsylvania State Education Association

South Dakota

• Dakota State University Student Program

Tennessee

• Student Tennessee Education Association  

Texas

• Texas A&M University
• Texas Tech University

Virginia

• Virginia Education Association Student Program
• Student Virginia Education Association

West Virginia

• Student West Virginia Education Association

Wisconsin

• Student Wisconsin Education Association
• Marian College
• University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
• University of Wisconsin La Crosse 
• University of Wisconsin Madison 
• University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
• University of Wisconsin Stevens Point   

Wyoming

• Student Wyoming Education Association
• University of Wyoming

Appendix A: Sample Constitution

CONSTITUTION OF THE _________________________________________________________________ OF THE (STATE STUDENT PROGRAM NAME)

ARTICLE I. Name and Location

Section 1. The name of this association shall be _________________________________________________

hereinafter known as the Association.

Section 2. Headquarters for the Association will be maintained in _________________________________, *

County, (State).

ARTICLE II. Purposes

Section 1. Promote interest in young adults interested in education.

Section 2. Provide members with opportunities for developing personal growth and professional competence.

Section 3. Provide opportunities for gaining an understanding of the history, ethics and programs of the education profession.

Section 4. Provide opportunities for participating in cooperative work on the problems of the profession and the community.

Section 5. Provide professional membership on the local, state and national levels during the preparation period for a career in education.

Section 6. Strive for higher standards of preparation.

ARTICLE III. Membership

Section 1. Membership in the Association shall be open to any (name of your school) student preparing for a career or interested in education who has never been eligible for any other category of membership within the NEA.

(Name of School or Local)

Section 2. In addition to being a member of the Association each member shall be affiliated with the State and National Student Program. A person shall not be admitted to or continue membership in the Association who possesses a teaching contract or who receives payment for teaching duties rendered-with the exception of graduate students receiving graduate teaching assistantships.

Section 3. The membership year shall be from September I to August 31.

Section 4. Membership will not be denied on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or physically challenged.

ARTICLE IV. Officers

Section 1. The officers of the Association shall be responsible to the membership in all matters concerning the discharge of their duties.

Section 2. The officers of the Association shall be a President, a Vice-President or President-Elect, a Secretary, a Treasurer (Secretary/Treasurer could be one individual), an Editor, and a Historian (Editor/Historian could be one individual). (A local may have additional officers, but it must have those listed in this section.)

ARTICLE V. Organization

Section 1. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: There shall be an Executive Committee composed of the officers, state officers from the local**, and the local advisors.

Section 2.. GENERAL MEETING: There shall be general meetings of the members of this Association annually.

ARTICLE VI. Affiliation

Section 1. The Association shall be affiliated with the (State and National) NEA Student Programs.

Section 2.. The Association shall not affiliate with any local, state of national group, union or association, that competes for membership with (State and National).

If a local has any members elected to state offices that may not be local officers, the local may choose to include them in its Executive committee.)

** (Name of School or Local)

Section 3. The Vice-President:

a. shall preside in the absence of the President;

b. shall perform other duties as delegated by the President and/or the Executive Committee; and

c. shall assume the office of President upon resignation of the President.

Section 4. *The Treasurer:

a. shall be responsible for the safekeeping and accounting of all funds;

b. shall provide financial reports at each Executive Committee and Representative Assembly meeting; and

c. shall sign all checks drawn on the bank account of the Association.

Section 5. *The Secretary:

a. shall keep accurate records and files of the proceedings of general and Executive Committee meetings; and

b. shall submit monthly reports to the respective district, regional, or state presidents.

Section 6. *The Historian: (Optional)

a. shall prepare an association scrapbook;

b. shall write a history of the year's work;

c. shall be in charge of the local newsletter;

d. shall take pictures of association events; and

e. shall provide/secure expert help in the above areas.

Section 7. The Editor: (Optional)

a. shall work with the historian to compile a local newsletter;

b. shall distribute local and state publications; and

c. shall perform other duties as delegated by the president and/or Executive Committee.

Section 8. In the event of a vacancy in the office of its Vice-president, Secretary, or Treasurer, the vacancy shall be filled by appointment of the Executive Committee for the remainder of the term.

ARTICLE VII. Executive Committee

Section 1. The Executive Committee shall be the executive branch of this Association. Section 2 The duties of the Executive Committee shall be:

a. to be responsible to the membership in all matters;

b. to carry out the policies of the general membership;

c. to attend to the business for the Association between general meetings;

d. to approve all members of the committees;

f. to adopt the annual budget;

If a local has any members elected to state offices that may not be local officers, the local may choose to include them in its Executive Committee.

g. to make available all official documents for inspection of the Association;

h. cooperate with the president in setting up a schedule of meetings for the year; i. act on problems that need immediate attention; and

j. give general direction to the work of all standing and special committees.

Section 3. A quorum for the Executive Committee shall consist of a majority of the members.

Section 4. Any member of the Executive Committee who is absent for consecutive regular meetings or a total of - meetings of the Executive Committee during an Association year shall forfeit her/ his office.

Section 5. Meetings of the Executive Committee shall be at a location designated by the president. The president shall notify the Executive Committee of any change in the location of their meetings.

Section 6. The dates and times for Executive Meetings shall be set by the Executive Committee at its first meeting. Additional meetings may be called by the president or by members of the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE VIII. General Meeting

Section 1. MEETINGS. The Association shall hold - meetings a year at a time and location to be determined by the Executive Committee. Notice to all meetings shall be posted in all buildings of the Association.

Section 2. SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings shall be held at the call of the president, a majority of the Executive Committee, or upon the written request of- percent ( %) of the members. These meetings will consider only items specified in the call for such a meeting and shall deal with important matters, that arise between regular meetings and that urgently require action.

ARTICLE IX. Committees

Section 1. There shall be the following standing committees, in addition to the Executive Committee, appointed by the president subject to the approval of the Executive Committee: Publicity, Elections (list other location association committees if desired).

Section 2. DUTIES. The duties of the committees, as herein provided shall be found in the Association Standing Rules.

Section 3. Special committees may be established by the president with the approval of the Executive Committee.

Section 4. Special committees shall be established for the purpose of accomplishing a specific task period within a limited of time, (Also known as "ad-hoc" committees.) The committee chairpersons shall be ex-officio members of the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE X. Dues

Section 1. Members shall pay annually the current fees for student memberships in the State, the current fees for membership in NEA-SP, and (amount local charges).

ARTICLE VI. Nominations and Elections

Section 1. Elections will be conducted under guidelines approved by the general membership. Section 2. All elections will be conducted using an open nomination and secret ballot procedure.

ARTICLE XI. Due Process

Section 1. The Association shall guarantee that no member will be censored, suspended, or expelled without a due process procedure which shall include an appellate procedure.

Section 2. The Association shall guarantee that no member of the Executive Committee shall be impeached and removed from office without a due process procedure which shall include an appellate procedure.

Section 3. The general membership shall approve rules and procedures to implement these due process guarantees.

ARTICLE XII. Amendment Process

Section 1. These Bylaws may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting at any general meeting.

Section 2. Proposed changes in these Bylaws shall be presented in writing to the membership at least days prior to the meeting at which they will be considered.

ARTICLE XIII. Suspension Provision

Section 1. Any provision of these Bylaws may be suspended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting at any general meeting.

ARTICLE XIV. Parliamentary Authority

Section 1. Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised shall be the authority on all questions of procedure not specified in this Constitution, Bylaws and Standing Rules.

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Appendix B: Sample Guide for Planning a Business Meeting Agenda

Name of Organization Date

Location/Tune

Agenda

1. Call to Order

H. Approval of minutes in. Adoption of agenda

IV. Reports of officers

V. Reports of committees

VI. Old business

VII. New business

VIII. Announcements

IX. Adjournment

(subheadings may be added where necessary)

NOTE: An agenda listing committee reports, pending and special-ordered business should be compiled before the meeting and publicized widely if possible.

Refer to parliamentary procedures for local association presidents for details of a business meeting.

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Appendix C: Sample Letter of Welcome to Education Majors- Especially Freshmen or Sophomores

Dear (Education Major),

Welcome to the University In just a few days you will join other students who are preparing to become teachers in the College of Education. As a student in Education, you are invited to join the preprofessional association-the National Education Association-Student Program. Students constantly work through the Student Program to improve the teacher education program on campus.

We are a busy association with big plans for the coming year. One of our most important responsibilities this year will be to keep you informed about how our plans are being carried out. During registration, Student [State] NEA will have a booth in the building. Be sure to stop and let the representative know about your special interests so they can keep informed of your ideas and your concerns. Education courses are not a prerequisite to becoming a member. You can take a part, even if it is a small part, in working with us toward the improvement of education.

We encourage you to ask questions of us as you go through your education courses. We will do everything we can to see that your college years are as rewarding for you as we can make them. Enclosed you will find a membership form. We welcome your consideration.

Sincerely yours,

Your Name, President

Your Local Association

Advisor

P. S. Be sure to ask us about the fun we have-at socials, workshops, conferences, and the like.

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Simple Parliamentary Procedure for Local Leaders

The basic reason for having any standard procedure is to dispose of the business before the assembly quickly, efficiently, and justly. The basic theses of parliamentary procedure are:

1. Only one subject may be discussed at one time. 2. Every member of the assembly has equal rights. 3. Each issue presented is entitled to free debate.

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE FOR LOCAL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENTS Order of Business Meeting

Meeting called to order

1. The President calls the meeting to order and makes the opening remarks, "The meeting will come to order." (opening remarks)

Reading and approval of minutes

1. Secretary, seated by the President, stands to read/or pass out copies of the minutes.

2. Corrections to minutes are requested.

3. No motion is needed for approval of the minutes.

Report of officers

1.No motion is needed for the adoption of the Treasurer's report unless it is audited.

Report of committees

1. Committee chairpersons who are to report should be in the front.

2. No motion is needed for adoption of committee reports unless recommendations for association action are made.

Committee recommendations for action

1. Motion is usually made by the Chairperson, seconded by the committee.

Business

1. Any old business must be dealt with.

2. Any new business is attended to.

Announcements

1. Anyone wishing to make an announcement should be moved to the front.

Adjournment

1. Chairperson automatically adjourns a meeting, except when there is unfinished business, in which case a motion is needed.

DEFINITIONS

Motion: A formal proposal that the assembly take a certain action; the method whereby the business is presented to the entire assembly. FORM: Mr./Ms. Chairperson, I move that…

Personal Privilege:

A point relating to some obstacle to the proper conduct of the meeting or some

matter of immediate and universal interest to the delegates is a matter of precedence. For example, the air conditioning may have stopped and a delegate wants this problem rectified immediately. Also, a delegate may wish to recognize a visitor or accomplishment. FORM: Mr. /Ms. Chairperson, point of personal Privilege.

Point of information: An inquiry as to the content or intent of the question before the assembly is not a speech on the substance of the question and is in order as a matter of precedence. Delegates do not have to vote on something they don't understand. However, it is an abuse to ask a rhetorical question, or a hostile question, which is designed only to damage the issue rather than clarify it before the vote is taken. FORM: Mr. /Ms. Chairperson, point of information.

Point of order: A delegate may always require adherence to the rules. But a point of order is not an opportunity to speak on the substance of the question. A delegate who honestly believes that a speaker, or a ruling of the chairperson, is out of order should obtain recognition, as a matter of precedence, and state specifically which rule is being violated. The chairperson will immediately respond and will have the advice of the parliamentarian in doing so. All questions are directed to the Chair; only he/she may request the assistance of the parliamentarian. The parliamentarian shall advise the chairperson or address the assembly at the request of the chairperson. of a delegate is unhappy with the ruling of the Chair, he/she may appeal only to the assembly. FORM: Mr./Ms. Chairperson, point of order.

Previous Question: At any time after progress in debate, two thirds of the delegates may close debate. Debate may be closed only after a motion and vote of the delegates. FORM: Mr./Ms. Chairperson, I move the previous question.

Reconsider. When a question has been once adopted, rejected or suppressed, it cannot be again considered during that session except by a motion to "reconsider the vote" on the question. This motion can only be made by one who voted on the prevailing side, and on the day the vote was taken which it is proposed, or on the next succeeding day. A motion to reconsider a vote on the debatable question, opens to debate the entire merits of the original motion. If the question to be considered is un debatable, then reconsideration is undebatable. FORM: Mr./Ms. Chairperson, I move to reconsider the vote by which the motion to was passed earlier in the meeting. (Needs a second)

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Key NEA Student Program Contacts

2007-08 Student Program National Leaders

• NEA Student Program Board Members
• Resolutions Committee
• NEA Standing Committees
• State-by-State Student Leaders and Contacts
• Student Program Chapter Web Sites
• Student Program Discussion Boards

NEA Contacts

Handbook for Local Leaders
This essential 45-page manual gives you everything you need to manage your NEA Student Program chapter. Topics include:

• How to start a new Student Program chapter
• How to recruit and retain members
• Chapter project ideas
• Getting involved with NEA on the national level
• Conducting effective meetings
• Sample constitution
• Sample meeting agenda
• Sample recruitment materials

View the Handbook online. Already a member and don't have the Handbook? Contact the NEA Student Program Chair to get your copy.

More NEA Publications

Get Involved on The National Level
Student members are encouraged to participate in NEA at the national level. Elected and appointed positions include: serving on a the Advisory Committee of student members, the NEA Board of Directors, NEA standing committees, Women's Caucus, NEA resolutions committee, or serving as the Student Program Chairperson. Details about each role are described in the Handbook for Local Leaders.

Other Helpful Documents

• Seven Steps to an Effective Chapter Web site
• Sample chapter budget [coming soon!]
• Sample letter requesting funding from the university [coming soon!]

Seven Steps to An Effective Chapter Web Site

Attracting and retaining Student Program members is crucial to NEA's mission for advancing the education profession. NEA members who join as college students are more likely to remain active, committed members throughout their careers.

Today's college students are technology savvy and turn to the Internet first for information. States with a strong Internet presence for their Student Programs are well positioned to attract new members.

State affiliate Web sites that are most effective in promoting their Student Program contain:

• A prominent link to the Student Program in the main navigation
• An overview of the Student Program (what it is)
• Benefits of membership (why join, and what you get)
• A way to join immediately (join now!)
• State contact information
• Local chapters and contacts
• Calendar of events (state and local)
• Resources
• Job listings and/or a resume bank

1. Use clean design and clear navigation. You don't have to be a professional web designer to create an attractive Web site. There are many tools and templates available that you can easily customize for your chapter. Microsoft Word and Microsoft FrontPage both come with Web templates and wizards. In addition many Internet service and Web site hosting providers offer Web page creation tools and wizards. The most important things to remember are:

• Use a light background and dark text color for easy readability.
• Use clear, consistent navigation on every page.
• Stay away from frames.

2. Focus on providing useful information, not bells and whistles. Before you begin, decide who your audience is and what message you want to convey. Most likely, your audience will be prospective and current members but may also be members of the campus community and general public.

Be sure to include essential information, such as the name of your chapter, location/university, membership benefits and how to join, contact information (including e-mail), and your relationship to NEA and your state association. You may also want to include officers' names and bios, guest speakers' names and bios, and descriptions of ongoing programs.

Avoid using acronyms and jargon that only current members would understand, and make sure you double check for spelling, grammar, and bad links.

3. Keep it fresh. Try to update your Web site at least once a month. New information may include upcoming meetings, highlights of past meetings, community outreach activities, recent award or scholarship winners, newly elected officers, member of the month, education statistics, etc.

4. Assign accountability. For consistency, it's a good idea to make one person or committee responsible for maintaining the chapter's Web site. You may wish to make the Web site part of one officer's duties. The Web site is a form of official public communication, so be sure to establish procedures for approving new content before it is posted. Also, outgoing webmasters or Web committee members should make sure their replacements have password access to all Web hosting accounts, e-mail list management, and HTML templates.

5. Connect the dots. Ask your university, State Association and the NEA Student Program to link to your site—and link back to them as well.

6. A photo is worth a thousand words. "Action" photos showing members doing community service, a guest speaker giving a lecture, or a student teacher leading a class will have much more impact than photos of chapter members posing in front of the campus student center. Add a caption telling who's in the photo and what they're doing. Just make sure the photos load quickly for users with slower Internet connections.

7. Do your homework! Before you begin, check out what other Student Program chapters are doing online, and take a look at the Web sites of other organizations on your campus.

Job and Career Resources

• Job Searches
• Salary Information and Job Market Outlook
• Licensing and Certification Requirements

Job Searches

• Teachers-teachers.com:
  (NEA-sponsored employment portal)
• Monster.com
• CareerBuilder.com
• TeachingJobs.com
• K12jobs.com
• Teaching-Jobs.org
• EducationJobs.com
• TeachWave.com
• TeacherJobs.com

Licensing and Certification Requirements

• National Board Certification
• Certification by State

Student Teacher Survival Guide

Outwit, outplay, outlast: Surviving your first experiences in the classroom can be a daunting task. We've provided a few resources to get you started off right.

Make It Happen: A Student's Guide: What's a teacher's typical day like? What are working conditions like for teachers? You'll find answers to common questions most folks have about becoming a teacher in our publication, Make It Happen: A Student's Guide .

To Substitute, or Not to Substitute? Many new teachers are gaining valuable classroom experience as substitute teachers, while others find themselves in a pay and advancement trap. Is subbing right for you? Check out this article from our Tomorrow's Teachers magazine.

A Better Beginning: Check out this publication and see for yourself how NEA can help you get started. This publication, made possible by the NEA New Teacher Support Initiative, is a step-by-step guide for NEA local affiliates interested in creating support systems for new teachers.
The 35-page manual includes:

• Tips for building an effective new teacher support system
• Real-life examples of effective mentoring
• Guidelines for establishing your own new teacher support program
• A toolkit with sample surveys, contracts, and mentoring program documents

Inspiration and Motivation: The Works4Me section of NEA's Web site offers inspiration and classroom tips to teachers at all experience levels. Works4Me subscribers each week receive an e-mail message with two practical classroom tips submitted by the real education experts—your fellow teachers. You can also browse the Works4Me Library, an online archive of more than 400 tips offering ideas and solutions that you can use in your classroom today.

State Association Resources:

• Maine: New Teacher's Center
• Massachusetts: New Teachers Resources
• Michigan: Skeeter's New Member Tips
• Minnesota: New Teachers
• Pennsylvania: Preparing for Teaching
• Wisconsin: A Career in Teaching
• Missouri: Beginning Teachers

U.S. Department of Education: Survival Guide for New Teachers. This detailed publication offers tips and advice for dealing with classroom and professional issues specific to classroom rookies.

Make It Happen: A Student's Guide

Here at NEA we get thousands of letters asking about teaching as a career. We get letters from eighth-graders as well as college graduates. We have developed a brochure to answer most of the common questions people have about preparing to become a teacher. Here are some of the highlights in the brochure.

What do teachers do?

Along with teaching classes, all teachers prepared lesson plans, grade tests, talk with parents and attend school meetings. Some school teachers have specialty areas such as music, art, or physical education, and teach only that subject. Often teachers supervise after-school activities such as school plays, athletics, and school newspapers.

What is a teacher's day like?

Many teachers say that no two days are exactly alike and that makes their careers exciting. Teaching calls on a variety of talent—knowing the subject, communicating, listening, understanding, making decisions, helping others. It offers unlimited outlets for using your special talents. Being a teacher these days doesn't mean sticking with third grade or high school chemistry for an entire career. New career opportunities—from preschool through adult education—are emerging.

What are working conditions like for teachers?

Through the advocacy of the local NEA affiliates, school districts are recognizing that the way to keep good teachers is to make the conditions for teaching and learning attractive—smaller class sizes, adequate attractive classrooms, and sufficient supplies and materials to assist learning. States are also providing teachers with more opportunities to attend classes to improve their teaching skills and to learn about using new technologies in the classroom.

How flexible is teaching?

Teachers enjoy flexible work schedules with breaks for holidays and summer—valuable time to grow professionally or to relax and recharge. In the classroom, teachers are gaining influence over decisions about coursework and textbooks and are expanding opportunities for creativity.

Are teachers paid well?

The good news is that salaries for teachers are increasing. As the country recognizes the need to attract more teachers, salaries should continue to increase. Teachers' salaries can differ from state to state. In some states, teachers are paid according to a salary schedule. Some states add what is known as a supplement. In 34 states, teachers negotiate with school boards for their salaries. Attractive benefits-including health, dental, and other insurance are usually offered to teachers as well.

Is there a shortage of teachers in some areas?

Many school districts desperately need more teachers of color. Additionally, there is a need for teachers in urban areas. Persons interested and qualified to teach math and science (all grades) also are needed. There also are shortages based upon geography. Some parts of the country need teachers more than others. If you would like more information about these areas of interest, please contact your state department of education.

Will I make a difference as a teacher?

Never has teaching been so important. As our nation moves into the next century, we need an educated workforce if America is to remain an economic leader. We need good teachers who will be able to help people learn so they can work in exciting new technologies. Teaching is challenging. It isn't easy to make lessons interesting, inspire learning, help students cope or discipline students. Few careers offer such opportunities for making a difference or for having a positive impact on the lives of others.

Ideas! Ideas! Ideas!

Freshman Orientation-Attend all freshman and transfer orientation sessions and speak briefly about the NEA-SP. Make arrangements to allow the NEA State Student local members to serve as campus guides. Members recruited as freshman can give four years of continued support to your local chapter.

Obtain a computer list of education majors and:

write a letter to each education major from the president and advisor of the chapter welcoming them to the campus and inviting them to join. (See sample letter in Appendix C.) telephone each one telling them you hope he/she will join. use the 'one-on-one" approach.

use a buddy system-each member is assigned a freshman to contact and encourage to join.

Contact each education faculty member and encourage help in recruiting membership. Ask if someone can speak to their classes about the NEA-SP Put meeting announcements on the blackboard.

It is important to let students know about the NEA Student Program as soon as possible. Some chapters have successfully tried the following:

During registration, set up information booths, show a slide presentation, distribute a frosh orientation help guide.

Big Brother/Big Sister for freshman.

Special parties for newcomers-ice cream socials, pizza, and the like.

Bulletin board displays or flyers. This may spark interest among members and non-members. Campus programs on hot topics-include membership promotion at closure.

Membership events, such as meetings featuring guest speakers. Have each member bring one potential member. A few days later contact each potential member about joining.

Invite all education students to the state convention; sell memberships to those who wish to attend.

Arrange for a local, state, or national association leader to visit education classes. During the visit, set up a membership table in the education building. Have a "bring a friend" meeting.

Set up displays in the student center, cafeteria or education department. Let everyone know what the NEA is about!

Take advantage of intra-campus mail. Put an eye-catching notice of the meeting in boxes. Send E-mail to education majors on campus, or post information on an electronic bulletin board.

Have student leaders stand at the doors of the education building during the first week of classes asking the question, 'Have you joined the NEA Student Program?"

Make a large banner that can be attached to the front of the education building that says, "Join the NEA Student Program Today!" This sign can be used each quarter or semester.

At any function for education majors, give out information and enrollment forms. Be sure to tell them about discounts and special services to members.

Stuff membership packets with "freebies." Contact local pizza parlors and fast food restaurants for discount coupons; collect pencils, key chains, and tablets from local banks, insurance agencies, and other businesses and then give them to members as they join.

• Target secondary and special education students. NEA State Student Programs are not just for elementary educators.
  
  
• Plan a public relations program to tell students about NEA Student Program educational issues.
  
  
• Invite prospective members to the first meeting and talk informally about the organization. Display the chapter scrapbook and serve refreshments at the close of the meeting.
  
  
• Saturate the campus with information-put notes in mailboxes, have officers visit classes to make announcements, target dorms, and have an exciting first meeting.
  
  
• Use both campus and department newsletters for NEA State Student information.

Send the prospective education major a letter before school begins in the name of the association.

Show the prospective member practical campus information they need to know, and work almost solely through personal contact. Some suggestions:

• List of area bookstores.
  
  
• Transportation information.
  
  
• Reminders of services available to members.
  
  
• Football and/or basketball schedules and dates of other athletic events. List of social events your association is planning. Information about your intramural sports teams.

TEACH ME

There is a child There is a man
And he says, 'Teach me." And he says 'Teach me."
The wondering, curious, discovering child. The seeking, searching, uncertain man.
Awed at the beauty, the rhythm, the process. Teach me to question, to probe, and to find. Teach me to know Teach me so that
How and where is my world, and why am I me, When a child comes forth
Where do I end and others begin? I will know what to do when he says, Teach me. 'Teach me."
There is a youth
And he says, 'Teach me."
The reaching, unfolding, surging youth. Teach me to understand.
What and why is the universe,
what is my part of the joy and the toil, How do I join with all others?
Teach me.

—Carol B. Epstein

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Conduct An Effective Meeting!

• Always start on time. Call the meeting to order officially at the scheduled starting time, and get right to the agenda.
  
  
• Keep oral reports brief. Ask that the treasurer, committee chairperson, etc., to prepare written reports which can be duplicated and distributed either by mail or as members arrive. Limit oral reports to any recommendations for action, the main reason(s) for the action, and questions and answers for clarification.
  
  
• Stick to the agenda, and keep the meeting on target. Speakers who wander from the current topic should be called to order by the Chair and reminded to limit their remarks to the subject under consideration.
  
  
• Make use of Unanimous Consent. Instead of calling for a vote on a routine or non-controversial motion, the Chair can frequently save time by declaring that unless there is objection, the action will be considered taken.

  Examples:

  A. Chair: "If there is no objection, the Treasurer's report will be received and filed for the auditor (pause). Hearing no objection, the Chair rules that the Treasurer's report has been received and will be filed."

  B. Chair: "Unless there is objection, the motion to thank the hospitality committee for today's refreshments will be deemed carried ... (pause). Since there is no objection, the Chair rules that the motion of thanks to the Hospitality Committee has been carried by Unanimous Consent."

  (Of course, if anyone does raise an objection, the question must be put to a vote.)

• Be fair and impartial. When a controversial issue is under debate, try to can upon proponents and opponents of the motion alternately. (If you don't know which side people are on, ask. "Our last speaker spoke in favor of the motion. Would anyone like to speak against it?") Give first opportunity to those who have not yet spoken on the issue.
  
  
• Never allow a debate to degenerate into a free-for-all. Insist that all speakers wait to be recognized by the Chair before speaking (unless someone is raising a privileged motion that may interrupt discussion) and require that they direct their remarks to the Chair, not to each other.
  
  
• Help members handle meeting business efficiency. If you must rule something out of order, tactfully explain why and, if possible, also explain how he/she can accomplish his purpose.
  
  
• Encourage brevity. If members insist on making long-winded speeches, appoint a timekeeper and announce that unless the group objects, the Chair will require that all speakers limit their remarks to three minutes. The group will usually accept the limits gratefully, and you'll be amazed at how succinct speakers will become.
  
  
• Remain impartial. As president, you are entitled to present recommendations during your report and on important issues. You may not make or second motions while you are presiding. If you feel that you must speak on a particular motion, hand the gavel to your vice-president, and don't resume the chair until the issue has been decided. In the interest of maintaining an image of impartiality you should vote only on those important questions (a) where your vote will either make a tie (thus defeating the motion) or break a tie (thus passing the motion) or (b) when you feel you must let your constituents know your position.
  
  
• Adjourn on time. If an adjournment time has been printed on the agenda, you should adjourn by the stated hour. No onelikes a meeting that seems to) drag on forever. As adjournment time draws near, it's perfectly legitimate for you to point out which items must be handled before adjournment, and ask if the group will vote to extend the meeting. Usually, if the remaining items really are important, the group will grant the extension. Finally, make it a lively meeting, one which those who attend get a 'tingle" at least twice.

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Committees

Committees should meet soon after their appointment to plan their work. The chairpersons of all committees should be allowed to call special meetings whenever they are needed. Whenever possible, the president of the chapter should meet with committees, preferably as an ex-officio member. In some associations the vice-president is assigned the responsibility of serving as committee coordinator, serving as an ex-officio member of all committees.

The committee chairperson, in cooperation with the president and/or vice president, should call the first meeting to:

1. Organize

2. Select a secretary

3. Decide upon a specific action program 4. Discuss assignments 5. Delegate duties

6. Set up a time schedule

7. Set tentative meeting dates for the quarter or semester

Each committee, after its first meeting, should submit a written report to the president and advisor about plans formulated, dates for action, and funds needed from the Association budget.

Suggestions for Strong, Effective Committees

1. Appoint members as soon as possible.

2. Parallel state and national committees where practical. 3. Build committees around a problem or job to be done.

4. Try to retain at least one person from the previous year's committee to insure continuity. 5. Be sure each committee has a chairperson and a secretary.

6. Get helpful materials from local, state, and national organizations.

7. Indicate dates for a preliminary and final report of committee chairpersons. 8. Provide for necessary committee expenses out of the Association treasury.

9. Present a report to the membership of the work done with recommendations for future action.

10. Allow the nature of work to be done to determine the size of the committee.

11. Solicit people on committees from all levels of education. (This includes elementary, early childhood, special education, junior-senior high school, and etc.)

12. Get materials and recommendations from the chairperson of last year's committee.

Chapter Communications

PERSONAL CONTACTS: Organizing members doesn't happen on paper. Your newsletters, bulletins, fliers, are all strictly one-way. The basic challenge is to reverse the flow of communications. Get it going from the membership to the chapter. Don't expect the members to come to you. Go to them. Listen to them. Answer their questions. Identify their needs. Then, get your members to help do something about them!

ON-CAMPUS VISITS: Send your elected leaders out before classes, at noon and after classes. Talk to the students, and listen to their concerns. Somebody is bound to ask "What has our NEA Student chapter done for me?" If you are there in person, you can justifiably turn that question around. "You are/or can be the NEA Student Program." Then ask him/her to volunteer. At most, you've identified a new leader. At the least, you've answered questions and received information.

TELEPHONE TREE: At its simplest level, a phone tree could work this way. You, as an Association Chairperson, and the strategy team have decided to activate the phone tree. "Special meeting for all students tomorrow morning at 6:30 a.m. at the Memorial Park Auditorium. The colleges' education department has lost its accreditation."

You call the designated "Telephone Tree Activator." In turn, the Tree Activator calls each cluster leader. Cluster leaders then call the student rep assigned to them. Student Reps can each "Branch Activator" for their students. Branch activators each call the first person on their branch.

Calls continue until all members are reached. Last person on each branch is the 'check back." His/her assignment is vital. He/she must "check back" by calling the initial "Branch Activator", who calls the Student Rep back - and of course, the Student Rep reports back to the Cluster Leader. In turn, the Cluster Leader reports to the Tree Activator.

LOCAL ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER:

• Keep it short and to the point.
  
  
• The longevity of any printed piece is from the point where the reader picks it up, only as far as the wastepaper basket.
  
  
• Keep the message alive to captivate, fascinate and intrigue.

Don't be neutral or objective. That's not why people joined your association. They expect an advocate. An internal newsletter is called a house organ. It's a high flying banner for your Association and specifically tied to membership aspirations. Every story which has an impact on membership commitment must have a definite, clear point of view, even if it has no byline. When you appoint an editor, give orders to be a propagandist first, and a journalist second. Propaganda is telling the truth, with zest, from the association's point of view. There's nothing wrong with propaganda, unless it's crude or dishonest; then you can expect a backlash.

If your association has a newspaper, try using your front page dramatically; design it as a poster which hits home with a succinct message, or a series of photographs with a short summary of what's inside. You might put your editorial on the back page. Quite often this is all the member reads: front page, back page, and maybe page three, so make that one count as well. Cartoons are a plus, and so are photos of members in action.

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Planning Chapter Programs

The NEA Student programs should be well planned and designed to meet specific needs. Chapter meetings can serve to bring students together to create new friendships and to educate your members.

Consider these five steps when planning a program: 1. Assess needs 2. Set a goal

3. Plan specific objectives to reach your goal 4. Publicize the program

5. Evaluate program to see if you have reached your goal

Assess Your Needs

Survey your members' needs. Listen to what they are saying and then provide workshops or programs to meet their needs. Have surveys available at meetings for new members to make suggestions and indicate interest in volunteering.

Set Your Goal

Once you have identified the needs of your membership, plan programs which will best meet their needs by providing information or resources. Assign a committee to plan the program, possibly chaired by the Vice-President. The committee will:

• find a presenter/presenters, if needed • prepare/obtain needed materials
• secure a place and time for the event
• Publicize the event (unless you have a publicity committee)
• obtain any necessary A/V equipment
• introduce the speaker/presenter

Plan

Well-planned meetings are essential for successful student chapters. Some things to consider are:

• reserved space
• adequate space for the number of participants
• arrange the chairs properly for the type of meeting

Publicize the meeting

• notify the speaker in advance of the meeting, time, location, number of people attending, length of program, and other details
  
  
• order audiovisual equipment well in advance and test it to be sure it works
  
  
• keep in mind the time, availability, and commitments of your members as you plan.

Publicity

For on-campus programs, put up posters and notices three to five days in advance. Off-campus meetings need at least five to seven days' prior notice. Be sure to remove posters the day after the event.

It's important to evaluate meetings and programs. Review details of the meeting to see if improvements can be made. Make notes to remind yourself of things to do for the next meeting. Did you meet your members' needs? Do a periodic program evaluation.

Suggested Programs or Workshops

Plan programs carefully so they are interesting and informative for an members of the organization. If you need help in planning programs, ask the faculty advisor for suggestions. Other sources for ideas are the state student organizer, the UniServ Director in your area, the NEA-SP State Chairperson, or NEA staff. All these members are willing to help your organization with topical, relevant programs. A list of workshops or programs which your chapter could present follows: