The PLSEA Pulse
Volume 8: September 2016

Welcome Back Everyone!
As always, please contact me or Erin Hester (our VP) with any questions or concerns.
Shawn Beaudette - President - Five Hawks 5th Grade - sbeaudette@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Erin Hester - Vice President - High School Social Studies - ehester@priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us
Union History
The AFT is 100 Years Old!
- In the 1920's, union membership with AFT was cut in half due to school boards pressuring teachers to not belong to a union.
- In the 1930's, female teachers had to sign contracts that stated they would wear skirts of certain lengths, keep their galoshes buckled, not receive gentlemen callers more than three times a week and teach a Sunday School class.
- AFT members in Minnesota lobbied for tenure rights for teachers in the late 1920's and early 1930's. It wasn't until the late 1950's that those same tenure rights were granted to outstate school districts.
- The 1960's and 70's saw the AFT become a pioneering group in the collective bargaining process for teachers
- In the 1970's, the AFT worked to make sure desegregation of schools happened the way it was supposed to across the nation, including here in the Minneapolis school district.
There are still many challenges facing public education today and that is why having a strong organization that brings a voice to the teachers is so important.
Please take 15 minutes to Watch These Powerful AFT Videos
Together We Work!
Committee Members Needed
Unification Committee
This group meets about five times per year to plan the service projects and other events for PLSEA. During contract negotiation years, this group also advises the executive board on a settlement action plan. There is a small stipend that goes with this position.
Current members: Tony Lotzer (HOMS English), Amanda Fay (Tech Integration), Sue Muelken (Elem PE), Niki Logan (HS Social Studies). We could use two more members.
Political Action Committee
This group will meet frequently during the active political season and less frequently in between political cycles. The goal of this group is to help organize our union around political events and candidates, advocate for public education with politicians and political groups and keep members informed of political happenings. There is a small stipend that goes with this position.
Current members: Anne Nelson (JP 5th grade). We could use several more members for this committee!!!

Upcoming Events
How Can I Get Involved with our Union?
School Board Meetings
2016-2017 Regular School Board Meeting Schedule
- August 22nd 6pm - Everyone
- September 12th 7:00pm - Five Hawks, Jeffers Pond
- October 10th 7:00pm - Westwood, Grainwood
- November 14th 7:00pm - HOMS, TOMS
- December 12th 7:00pm - High School, Bridges, Edgewood
- January 9th 6:30pm - Redtail, Glendale
- February 13th 7:00pm - FH, JP
- March 6th 7:00pm - WW, GW
- April 10th 7:00pm - HOMS, TOMS
- May 8th 7:00pm - HS, Bridges, EW
- June 5th 7:00pm - RR, GD
Study Session Schedule
- Monday, September 26, 2016: 6:00 pm - Study Session/Data Retreat
- Monday, October 24, 2016: 6:00 pm - Study Session
- Monday, November 28, 2016: 6:00 pm - Study Session
- Monday, January 23, 2017: 6:00 pm - Study Session
- Monday, February 27, 2017: 6:00 pm - Study Session
- Monday, March 27, 2017: 6:00 pm - Study Session
- Monday, April 24, 2017: 6:00 pm - Study Session
- Monday, May 22, 2017: 6:00 pm - Study Session
- Monday, June 19, 2017: 6:00 pm - Study Session
Union Benefits and Offers
Free Identity Theft Protection for All Members
http://educationminnesota.securusid.com/
The Perks Connect program is another benefit through Education Minnesota. Use the link below to find more information.
http://www.educationminnesota.org/member-benefits/your-pocketbook/perksconnect