EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTION

Nominations for members of the Executive Committee will close Tuesday, April
20. The open offices are president, vice president, treasurer, elementary
director, intermediate director, and support staff director. One state council
representative seat is also available. Eligible members may be nominated
through the nominating committee, nominations from the floor of the April 20
Council meeting at La Merced Intermediate, or a petition (on the reverse side
of this Contact.

THE JORDAN FUNDAMENTALS GRANT PROGRAM

The National Foundation for the Improvement of Education in partnership with
The Jordan Brand announces the Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program. The purpose
of the program is to recognize and extend outstanding teaching and student
learning in public secondary schools that serve economically disadvantaged
students. Up to 400 $2500 grants will be awarded per year to teachers and
paraprofessionals who work with students in any grade from six to twelve.
Applications are available at the MTA office or at www.nfie.org and may be
submitted at any time.

EARLY RETIREMENT DEADLINE APRIL 15

If you are planning on early retirement for the 1998-99 school year (and you
will be at least 60 years of age) the deadline for returning the option form
is Thursday, April 15. Please call Jean at extension 2329 in the Personnel
Office for the necessary forms and information.

RETIREMENT HEALTH BENEFITS WORKSHOP APRIL 12

Executive Director Kathy K¯hn and Risk Management Representative Dolores
Gonzalez will review the Trust Fund and retirement benefits at the District
Office Board Room at 3:30 p.m. on Monday, April 12.

RETIREMENT BANQUET JUNE 4

Save the date! The retirement banquet is scheduled for Friday, June 4. Please
contact the MTA office if you plan to retire this year.

NATIONAL BOARD CERTIFICATION

NEA has developed a packet entitled National Board Certification Questions and
Answers. The packet answers the following questions.
1. What is National Board Certification?
2. Why do teachers seek National Board Certification?
3. What are the assessments like?
4. What is the NEA's role in the National Board for Professional Teaching
Standards?
5. Who are the "experts" behind the National Board that determined how to
identify National Board-Certified Teachers?
6. National Board assessments seem very challenging and many teachers do not
succeed on their first try. Are the standards too high?
7. How can teachers afford to pay the certification fee?
8. Should National Board-Certified Teachers be paid more?
9. Will National Board Certification become mandatory?
10. Does National Board Certification really make a difference?
11. What certificates are available?
12. How can NEA members get more information about National Board
Certification?
13. How many teachers have been National Board-Certified?
The packet is available through a Building Rep.