Thursday's Thoughts
PSTA Weekly News
Vol. 26 March 4th, 2021
Email: info@palmettoteachers.org
Website: palmettoteachers.org
Location: 220 State Street, West Columbia, SC, USA
Phone: 803-256-2065
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PalmettoTeachers/
Twitter: @PSTAnews
Legislative Update
This week, PSTA staff engaged in advocacy at the state and federal levels. PSTA talked with congressional staff in support of Superintendent Spearman's continued push for a waiver from the U.S. Department of Education for flexibility in how the state meets federal assessment requirements for the 2020-2021 school year. At the State House, PSTA provided feedback to subcommittees on legislation on topics including certificate renewal requirements for veteran teachers, administration of insulin to students in school, and various issues related to educator certification. On the final topic, Director of Governmental Affairs Patrick Kelly testified against a House bill that would allow districts to fill any remaining teaching vacancies five days prior to the start of school with non-certified individuals. For additional information on this legislation- as well as other legislative actions this week- please make sure to read the Legislative Alert Network email that will come out tomorrow afternoon!
Member Recruitment Program
Click here for more information.
We still have open spots for our Virtual EdCamp!
Click here to register!
By participating in this event, you will earn 3 recertification hours.
Webinar to learn more about ACE Educator Programs
Share your voice in an ETV Education survey
Please share your feedback in a brief survey to help us evaluate our resources and services. You might even win a prize.
Click here to learn more.
Resources for teaching Women's History
Women’s History Month is celebrated each year in March. SCETV offers a wide variety of digital resources for classroom teachers. These educational materials are designed to the extend learning about women’s history and engage all learners.
Click here for more information.
Contracts for 2021-22 School Year
As we move into the second half of the school year, it is almost time for 2021-22 contracts to be issued. Last week, Superintendent Spearman sent a memorandum to all S.C. school districts regarding contract dates, which is provided below. Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 59-25-410, written notice regarding an educator’s employment status for the following school year must be issued before May 1 (i.e., by April 30). If a contract is not issued by that date, a continuing contract teacher is deemed to have a contract for the following school year. Furthermore, S.C Code Ann. § 59-25-420 states that teachers have until before May 11 (i.e., by May 10) to turn in their contracts for the following school year. A district cannot legally require an educator to turn in his or her contract before that date. If you have any issues at all regarding contracts, please contact us at legal@palmettoteachers.org or (803) 256-2065.
Memorandum from Superintendent Spearman: https://ed.sc.gov/newsroom/school-district-memoranda-archive/educator-contracts-for-the-2021-22-school-year/educator-contracts-for-the-2021-22-school-year-memo/
Professional Development Opportunites
Links for APEC Workshops
- Bridging the Discipline Divide
- Reflective Practices for Responsive Teaching
- The Wonders of Writing Workshop
- Basic Foundations for Behavior Management
- Using Case Studies to Promote Active Learning In the Science Classroom
- It Isn’t All About Me
- What Every Teacher Needs to Know About the Benefits of Using Sign Language in the Classroom
- Adverse Childhood Events: How DoesTrauma Travel to Your Classroom?
- Student Led IEP Meetings
ENROLL TODAY: Palmetto State Teachers Association's Discount Marketplace
We appreciate you for being a member of Palmetto State Teachers Association and we thank you! That's why we’re excited to offer a discount program through Working Advantage, your one-stop shop for savings with brands you know and love, discounts on local experiences, curated offers just for our organization, and new deals added weekly.
It’s cost-free and easy to enroll. Just visit https://psta.savings.beneplace.com and begin saving today on items like:
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Health and wellness products and memberships
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Food and beverage delivery
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Electronics and apparel
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Financial and educational services
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Home goods and home office supplies
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Flowers and gifts
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Attractions, shows, concerts, and sporting events
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Hotels and rental cars
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& so much more!
COVID-19 FAQs
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