Thursday's Thoughts
PSTA Weekly News
Vol. 29 April 1st, 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
Congratulations to the Top 5 Finalists!
Action Alert
There are only seven weeks remaining in the General Assembly's scheduled session for 2021. While the two chambers have passed several pieces of education-related legislation, there has been limited movement on policies that could enhance teacher retention rates in South Carolina.
PSTA is working every week to get movement on retention policies, and as part of those efforts, we would like to get feedback from membership about the policies that could have the largest impact on retention.
If you have not already done so, please click here to complete a quick two minute survey. The data from this survey will greatly assist efforts to increase the priority placed on teacher retention during the remainder of this legislative session.
Thank you!
Karaoke with Kathy Maness
Topic: Karaoke with Kathy Maness
Time: April 1, 2021 7:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86745629664
Meeting ID: 123 4567 8910Passcode: APRILFOOLS
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,86748409664#,,,,*774209# US (Chicago)
+19292056099,,86748409664#,,,,*774209# US (New York)
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/
Meet the PSTA Staff
We sure do love the PSTA pets!
Member Recruitment Program
Click here for more information.
Win a Teacher Care Crate subscription and honor a colleague
So much has been asked of educators and school district personnel in the past year. From transitioning to teaching remotely to building stronger communities in the face of adversity – we are in awe of how you have risen to the occasion. To thank you and celebrate all the good you do, we are inviting Palmetto State Teachers Association members to enter to win a Teacher Care Crate subscription.
ENTER TO WIN A THREE-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION TO TEACHER CARE CRATE
Teacher Care Crate is a monthly reminder to take care of YOU. During your three-month subscription, you'll receive an exquisitely curated crate full of health and wellness items; inspiring art; fun desk accessories; decorative wearable items; treats to eat, drink, and share; and more!
HONOR A COLLEAGUE AND PASS IT ON
We know that many of you have found motivation and support in your community of fellow educators and support staff. So, when you enter, you can also nominate a colleague for the chance to win. By choosing to nominate a colleague, your name will be entered into the raffle twice.
Celebrate the Good – Enter today!
To learn about Walden’s degree and certificate programs, visit WaldenU.edu/psta or call 1-855-628-3427.
BBT Edventures
Please visit www.bbtedventures.com for more information.
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:
-
Health and wellness products and memberships
-
Food and beverage delivery
-
Electronics and apparel
-
Financial and educational services
-
Home goods and home office supplies
-
Flowers and gifts
-
Attractions, shows, concerts, and sporting events
-
Hotels and rental cars
-
& so much more!