SPARKS #2

Well,SPARKS certainly did more for me than I expected. I actually had a million reasons in my head to call at the last minute and cancel, but ultimately the biggest reason came down to my poor morale about my workplace. We all want to connect in our buildings, but often find it so difficult with things being so busy and everyone has a life outside of school, so as soon as 3:35 comes...we're on our way home....SPARKS gave me a feeling of camaraderie without the sarcasm, friendship without the politics, and fun without the bells ringing or clocks ticking for lunch time to be over!

First, the True Colors assessment has really changed my life. The assessment determines levels of four personality types identified by 4 colors: Blue, Gold, Orange, and Green. I think everyone should do this, including our students to learn about themselves and acceptance of others. I remember how things would really hurt my feelings if people weren't relational and friendly about things and were "all about the facts". It made me feel like they didn't like me or I did something wrong. (I'm a "BLUE.") But now I can see some other things in a personality to determine that he or she is a "GREEN" so being scientific and direct comes very naturally, and being "relational"--does not. So, not only can I determine it is simply their personality, but I can see how to work better with that person; if it is a student, I can determine what students might work well together, or how to explain something better to a student, simply by being able to identify their general personality type.

Second, I actually also had a chance to remember how good it felt to excercise with our stress reliever session in our ZUMBA Latin Dancing class, but also got my excess fill of great food while at the training. So, I have joined a local fitness club, started eating better, and have lost almost 10 lbs since SPARKS. I feel great. It's also amazing how much more relaxed you feel when your pants aren't too tight!!! ;) Just another added benefit.

I'm not sure why I ended up going with a million reasons not to go, but I'm so glad I did. I made a lot of connections throughout the district between so many different people with so many different strengths. This was a great intensive learning experience with a lot networking and friendship in the mix!

Emily Garlinghouse
Speech Pathologist

SPARKS Training #1

As a teacher that is in her first year teaching, and a survivor of the recent layoffs-this training was absolutely invaluable to me. I learned immense amounts about topics which I was previously clueless: insurance information, retirement plans and how they work, tenure, grievances and most importantly-how important our union is, and our role in it. I really couldn't have spent a weekend having more fun, and getting more applicable information. Now I know what those veteran teachers are talking about around the staff lunge table!

Rose M. Meister
2009 Sparks Attendee
SASA Science/English MS/HS Teacher

Midland County Education Assoication Rally

The MCEA Bargaining Team would like you to join them in a RALLY!

WHEN: Monday, February 16, 2009 from 6-8 p.m.

WHERE: United Steelworkers Hall
Local 12075
3510 James Savage Rd
Midland, MI 48642

WHY: To let Midland teachers know we support them!


"Come for food, fun, music, and a great chance to visit!!!!"

Welcome

Welcome to the first post on Saginaw Education Association's blog. Come back and visit soon. We should have some helpful information for you to read.