WEAC Direct

Blending family 'Memory' into book

Pat Gardner, who's been teaching American history for 15 years, compiled 30 stories from her students covering 27 countries into "Chords of Memory: Immigration Stories of Waukesha Families, Friends and Neighbors." It's the culmination of a grant Gardner received to cull her students' work into a piece of literature the community can use to share her passion.

"I love hearing the voice of the past and bringing them back," she said. Read more

Teaching the history of organized labor?

Assembly Bill 172 - which originally required schools to teach the history of organized labor as part of the basic curriculum - passed the Assembly after it was amended to instead require that the history of organized labor and the collective bargaining process be incorporated into the model academic standards for social studies. The bill, as amended, has made it through the Senate Education Committee and is now awaiting action by the full Senate. What do you think the final bill should look like? Let us know on our Facebook page

Convention's key speaker: Pedro Noguera

By registering for the October 29-30 WEAC Convention, you'll be able to see Pedro Noguera, an expert on the ways schools are influenced by social and economic conditions in the urban environment. Noguera, who is speaking at 10 a.m. October 29, is an urban sociologist who advises and conducts research with school districts throughout the United States, as well as abroad.

Noguera has published more than 150 pieces on topics such as urban school reform, conditions that promote student achievement, youth violence, the potential impact of school choice and vouchers on urban public schools, and race and ethnic relations in American society. Read more and register for Convention

NEA targets high-needs schools

A recent report by the National Education Association documents proven strategies to help recruit, prepare, support and retain teachers in high-needs schools. The NEA has pledged to invest $1 million per year over six years to pursue strategies to increase teacher effectiveness in these schools. In a congressional hearing, NEA President Dennis Van Roekel urged Congress to ensure all children -- including poor and minority children -- have access to outstanding teachers. Read more

Book festival is Oct. 7-11 in Madison

The Wisconsin Book Festival, October 7-11 in downtown Madison, features a variety of events for children and young adults. Read about this and other events, professional development opportunities and classroom resources on the weac.org Educators' Bulletin Board

Shape your professional development

When and how do you want your professional development? What subjects and topics are of greatest interest? Take the WEA Academy survey to let us know and you'll be eligible for prizes, including sweatshirts, baseball caps, aluminum water bottles and 2GB flash drives. The survey takes about four to seven minutes and is focused on your professional development needs.