Four of the ten teachers from the Potomac Education Association attended the 2008 MEA-MFT Summer Conference in Helena August 28th through the 30th. Brenda Harrold, PEA vice-president and negotiations committee member, Terri Klein, PEA president (for life), Nancy Linnell, PEA negotiations chairperson, and Sarah Schmill, PEA secretary/treasurer enjoyed three days of informative workshops on a variety of subjects. The workshops were presented by the staff and officers of our union.
Brenda Harrold learned more about Montana's collective bargaining laws, Montana school budgets, and local newsletters. Nancy attended workshops on designing and maintaining local websites, the history of the MEA-MFT organization, and conflict, colleagues and communication. Terri enjoyed workshops on ER & D (Educational Research and Development) foundations of effective instruction, communicating with members, and strategies for recruiting new members. As our secretary/treasurer, Sarah spent all day Tuesday learning more about her treasurer duties. She also attended a workshop on AFT safety and wellness-beyond stress management.
All four teachers attended a round table discussion with union representatives from school districts of or near our size. This was an informative and interesting opportunity to share struggles and successes.