The 2007 Rockville, MD Conference

The 6th annual NSTA conference was held on July 20 - 22nd at the Montgomery County Education Association in Rockville Maryland. Our thanks to Bonnie Cullison, president of the M.C.E.A for hosting the convention at their headquarters.

After a complimentary continental breakfast at the Best Western Washington Gateway Hotel, officers from various states around the country met for a pre-conference workshop to discuss organizational strategies. We had a very enjoyable cruise around the Potomac on "Spirit Cruise Lines" to help us get to know new members and relax before the conference.

The conference began Saturday with some great "break out" sessions. Judith Keiffer lead the workshop on "Classroom Management" where strategies were discussed by all members as to how we can improve our management skills as professional substitute teachers.

Pat Reilly and Rachel Tudor lead the workshop on "Contract Issues". They discussed the importace of reading, reviewing and interpreting contracts provided by our local unions and educational organizations. When we know the facts about what exists in our contracts, then we can discover ways to make initiatives for positive change, and therefore provide better working conditions for all of us as substitute teachers.

Dale Robinson lead an inspirational discussion about power bases. The question was presented ,"Who really has the "power" in our communities?" The people who we think hold the power may not be who ones who actually have it!

Some new officers were elected, and President Jim Politis, as well as Treasurer Ron Fletcher were re-elected to their respective positions this year.

Thanks to Clara Floyd, President of the Maryland State Teachers Association for her encouraging words to our members. She shared about her perseverance through the struggles of her life and the success she gained by her patience and commitment to the cause for teachers.

Special thanks to Mary Nix and all representatives of "AFLAC" for presenting their alternative plan for health insurance to our members.

Thanks to Ron Denaro, President of College Campus trips, and Virginia Minick, author of the book "Desperately Seeking Humor". Elizabeth Medina shared her web site "Substitutes United" and was appointed web coordinator.

Special thanks to our Vice-president, Rachel Tudor and Pat Reilly, Senior Field Rep. for SEIU 521 for working so hard to organize this conference and make it a success!

We ended with dinner at Houston's Restaurant and looked forward to the work we plan to do this year to improve the lives of substitutes around the nation. Next years conference: TO BE ANNOUNCED!