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" What do they do with all that money? What a system! They get our money, then they use it to get more from us. " -- Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura, commenting on news that Education Minnesota spent, the newly merged NEA and AFT affiliate, almost $725,000 in lobbying and public relations in the first six months of 2001.
(July 25 Minneapolis Star- Tribune)
Here are some sites that may offer information on funding sources and opportunities:
"Teacher Grants"
A collection of resources to give teachers ideas for seeking funding from
local sources.
http://www.teachergrants.org/
"eSchool News School Funding Center"
Information on up-to-the-minute grant programs, funding sources, and
technology funding.
http://www.eschoolnews.org/funding
"Philanthropy News Digest-K-12 Funding Opportunities"
K-12 Funding opportunities with links to grant seeking for teachers, learning
technology, and more.
http://fdncenter.org/pnd/20000328/funding.html
"Information on U.S. Department of Education Initiatives"
Among a wealth of other information, the ED site provides comprehensive
information on applying for grants and listings of current funding
opportunities.
http://www.ed.gov/funding.html
"School Grants"
A collection of resources and tips to help K-12 educators apply for and
obtain special grants for a variety of projects.
http://www.schoolgrants.org
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NO EXCUSES
The following question and answer come from an interview with Dr. Pedro Garcia, the new Nashville Director of Schools. Before coming to the U.S. from Cuba in his teens, Dr. Garcia was a counter-revolutionary fighting against the Communist regime.
"Q: You were Metro's new schools director less than an hour before you boosted expectations to a goal of 90% of students achieving at grade level in all subjects. In an urban system like Nashville, how realistic is that goal?
"A: It's very realistic. I'm reading a book right now called No Excuses. It's about 21 schools nationwide that are high-poverty but also have high achievement. The problem that we have is that they are isolated cases. Whenever there's a poor school that's successful, it's sort of like, 'Wow!' instead of like, 'Well, sure. They ought to be that way.' There are many schools nationwide that are successful. But they're not entire systems. And that's what intrigued me about Nashville--I believe we can have an effective system, not just an effective school here and there. I don't know if it can be done in four years, but I always shoot high. Rather than do 70% and hit it, I would rather do 90% and hit 83%."
The Tennessean, July 1, 2001
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The Better Choice
When I was a member of another teacher organization which championed itself as a teacher and student's friend. I only got to speak to its attorney about five minutes. The lawyer agreed the school system was not being upright with me but follow-up was totally in my camp. In later years, I separated from that organization because it was activist in behalf of positions I could not support religiously. Later, I learned about PET which paralleled my views of a teacher association, e.g., non-involvement in candidate campaigns in favor of direct presentation to legislators about educational issues, non bashing of fundamentally- focused Christians, active collaboration with lawmakers and policy bodies about instructional approaches promising genuine improvement, etc.
After becoming a member, I twice had occasion to access PET' s attorney. Each time, my conversations with legal counsel were extended and intensive. On the latter contact, PET sanctioned its attorney to represent me. It was reassuring to have representation from a lawyer who had practiced before the U.S. Supreme Court. Moreover, PET's Executive Director remained in contact and provided emotional support, as well.
I know firsthand that Pet and affiliated state organizations have surfaced and grown because it has not become a social-agenda agency but true to the desires of dedicated educators, has maintained a focus upon students, schools, and learning. I benefited from PET's teacher-rights function, but that is not what PET is primarily about. It is about the teaching of students in enriching classrooms and preparation for their taking productive roles in American businesses and homes. That is why my wife and I are both educators and PET members."
David Glasgow
Maury County PET
PET encourages its members to send comments to this column. All comments will be published. Please remit to publishing@teacherspet.com
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