Spotlight on Locals: Onalaska Education Association

May 31, 2019 by Bill Hurley

Believing in the greater good, strong ethics, one-to-one communication, building relationships, having strong leaders at the building level, building a positive image. Leaders of the Onalaska Education Association say these are all ingredients to creating a strong local association. “A key to our success has been to be a positive influence in the school district and the community,” music teacher Christina Martin told WEAC Vice President Peggy Wirtz-Olsen for her latest Spotlight on Locals column.

Despite serious problems and a lack of research support, virtual schools continue to spread

May 28, 2019 by Bill Hurley

Lawmakers throughout the nation continue to support the spread of virtual schools despite the fact that research reveals overwhelming evidence of poor performance, according to a new review by the National Education Policy Center. Given the evidence, the review recommends that policymakers slow or stop the growth in the number of virtual and blended schools and the size of their enrollments until the reasons for their relatively poor performance have been identified and addressed.

Racine educators, students, parents, community members demand a budget that supports students and educators

May 21, 2019 by Bill Hurley

Dozens of Racine educators, students, parents and community members packed a school board meeting Monday night to demand a budget that supports all students and gives educators the tools they need to help students succeed. “I realize public school districts across this state are in crisis mode,” said Racine Educators United President Angelina Cruz. “But I strongly believe in the collective power of educators and community to fight back for what’s best for kids.”

State Superintendent Stanford Taylor asks districts to review graduation policies as they relate to American Indian traditions

May 16, 2019 by Bill Hurley

As the school year winds down and graduation ceremonies take place, State Superintendent Carolyn Stanford Taylor has sent a reminder to Wisconsin school superintendents to review their policies regarding American Indian ceremonial traditions. “Throughout Wisconsin, many school districts already recognize the importance of American Indian students wearing eagle feathers, traditional regalia, and other items,” Stanford Taylor wrote, noting that many school districts addressed their policies in 2017 after the Department of Public Instruction asked them to connect with sovereign tribal nations and discuss with tribal leaders ways to recognize and honor tribal traditions and practices. In the past, some school districts have prohibited students from wearing items of religious and cultural significance at graduation ceremonies and school-sponsored events.

Two Education Support Professionals win WEAC ESP scholarships

May 13, 2019 by Bill Hurley

Two exceptional Education Support Professionals have been awarded 2019 WEAC ESP scholarships. The winners of the $1,000 scholarships are Terri Taylor, who works in Milwaukee Public Schools and is a member of the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association and the Milwaukee Educational Assistants Association, and Taneka Golden, who works in Racine public schools and is a member of Racine Educators United.