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GFEA president thanks educators for choosing to welcome and teach all children in public education

8/28/2017

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 Welcome to the 2017-18 school year. 
   I am Shelli Lavinder Schwalk, president of the Great Falls Education Association – Local 7583 – YOUR union. 
   As our country was born, and our Constitution ratified, the founding fathers understood that a properly functioning democracy would be dependent on an “informed electorate.”  John F Kennedy stressed the importance of an educated population saying, “Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our Nation.” Throughout time, leaders of this nation have understood the importance of a quality education for ALL students.
   And now, public schools are under attack.
   A warm, uplifting, welcoming convocation message… how do I take you there? Let me take you there by reminding you of the power you hold. 
   While you could have chosen ANY profession, you chose teaching.  Not just any teaching position, but instead, one in PUBLIC EDUCATION. You welcome and teach ALL CHILDREN regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, creed, gender, ability or disability …YOU made the decision to teach EVERY CHILD who walks through your door. You teach the curriculum you are entrusted to teach, ensuring that our students grow to be the informed electorate referred to by Thomas Jefferson. Even more significantly, you help students learn compassion, empathy, and tolerance. You guide them through the process of differentiating between fact and opinion. You feed them when they are hungry. You love them – even when they “seem” unlovable. You see in them what they cannot see in themselves. You see your students for the miracles they are–for the difference they will make today and tomorrow.  Each day you show up, not for work, but for our kids.
   The change our world needs, and the unity of our country depend on the generations to come. Those generations count on you. Be proud of your career. The trust placed in you, the job you do, is vital to the success of this nation.
In the words of Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”    Young people such as Malala know…You will change the world, one child, one pen and one book at a time. You will make a difference. The future of the world is in your classroom today.
   You cannot do this alone; you are surrounded by support teams. Teams you will create in your schools, the GFEA team, the MEA-MFT, NEA and AFT teams. These people stand ready to help you. Reach out to one another, support one another, create your own teams. Together we are stronger; together, we will make this world a better place.
   Thank you to every one of you who spends countless hours, paid and unpaid, preparing to educate our students. To those volunteering in various capacities throughout the summer and upcoming school year–thank you.To our administration, support staff, bus drivers, food service and custodial staff–thank you!
   Let me take a moment to thank my “teams.” My GFEA Executive Board, Faculty Representatives, Administrative Assistant, my MEA-MFT field consultant−and especially−those of you who believe in the values of a vital, public education system, and who work toward achieving the best possible education for our students. Thank you for your work and your commitment. We honor you. We value you. We support you, your students and our community; we will fight for you and the resources you need to create the leaders, dreamers, builders and thinkers of tomorrow.
    Remember, I am part of your team.  I am committed to helping you be the absolute best you can be. Contact me any time I can be of assistance. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
   Have an amazing 2017-2018 school year.
 
 


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       The corona virus has definitely created a novel reality.  If you check our our website, you will find links to resources for remote learning, and, of course, there is a plethora of information on the website  FaceBook has  great interest groups, too.  

    Youth Art Month

       We have the virtual platform ready for you to upload images for the 2021 Virtual Youth Art Exhibition. 
       Please follow the link to the 2021 MAEA Virtual Youth Art Month Exhibit HERE.  It is in a Google Slide format. 
       We ask that everyone participate, but only upload 2-3 works per specialist. 
       There are a few slides at the beginning giving format guidance. Please inquire if you have questions. The closer you adhere to the requested format the easier it will be for YAM Chair Victor Daniel of Helena and I to prepare for presentation. 
       The deadline for uploading will be next Wednesday, March 3, 2021. 
       After that deadline, Victor and I will refine the presentation, convert it to a movie file, and upload it to YouTube. 
       We will post the virtual show on the MAEA website and send out a link via email so you can use it on your school and district websites, for promotion in local businesses and board meetings or anywhere there is a screen connected to the internet. 
       If you need it in another format, just let us know. We will be happy to share it as a slide presentation as well.      

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    ​MFPE-MAEA 2021
    Teacher
    Conference      Needs YOU!

       Please submit your proposal to present no later than April 30.     
       The next conference is in Great Falls on October 21 and 22, 2021.  It will be hosted at CM Russell High School. 


    2021 
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    Educators' Conference

    Where:  GREAT FALLS
    C.M.RUSSELL HIGH SCHOOL
    When:  OCT. 21-22, 2021             Helping our members succeed in their careers is a top priority for MFPE. That’s why, each year, we sponsor the Educator Conference -- the best professional development of its kind anywhere.
       MFPE teams up with 18 Montana curriculum groups to bring you the best in teacher-led professional learning. More than 500 workshops, keynotes, & institutes are available. No matter what or where you teach. You’ll find a wealth of events perfect for you. And you can earn renewal units!
      To find more information and to submit a proposal to present, please visit the following: 
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