Education Jobs Bill Update: We're Almost There!

Please contact Representative James Clyburn at 202/225-3315 and Representative John Spratt at 202/225-5501. Ask them to help South Carolina receive the $143 million it is due under the new education jobs bill. South Carolina is one of seven states that currently do not qualify to receive money from the recently passed education jobs bill. Read More...

Attention Educators:
Apply by September 30 to Take Your First Course Free in an Online Degree Program. School District employees who enroll this fall in an Arkansas State University Academic Partnerships online program may receive a First Course Free Scholarship! The SCEA is committed to helping participating educators successfully expand the quality of their teaching and leadership skills. You must apply for a First Course Free Scholarship by September 30. Click this link for details about the university’s new degree programs and federal grants available for qualified educators. http://www.stateu.com/astate/cd.

From the President

South Carolina Educators, Welcome back to school! I know that you and your students are anxious to begin another great year of teaching and learning. The SCEA is here as your professional organization to support you in the endeavor of helping and encouraging students to reach their goals Have a wonderful beginning and take care of South Carolina’s precious resource – our children. - Jackie B. Hicks, President, The South Carolina Education Association.

AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL EDUCATORS
by Day Outlaw

Like many of my colleagues, I was politically naïve when I started teaching 40 years ago. Over time, I came to realize that all aspects of public education—from its funding to the curriculum to special education programs—have their roots in the legislative process. In recent years, legislators have forced public schools to cut over $300 million dollars from their budgets. Read more....

Join The SCEA and Make Our Voice Louder!

From The SCEA Member Advocacy Center

Welcome Back! The start of a new school year can be both exciting and stressful. Educators are juggling new students, new parents, new colleagues, new administrators, new schools, larger class sizes, and more. It’s important to remember that because you are a member of The SCEA, you are not alone. We are here for you. Do not hesitate to contact us for information or assistance. Check out the Members Only section of our site for more resources.

Students Who Hit

Too often, school staff who work with “special children” are led to believe that being hit, bitten, kicked, pushed, or choked are “part of the job”. Nothing could be further from the truth and those views often get in the way of solutions. Under no circumstances should any school employee be assaulted by a student nor should school districts accept this violence. Read more...

Don't Lose Your Right to Appeal, File a Grievance or Object to Something!

If a work related problem arises that is of such significant concern that you are considering an appeal, you must follow your district's shool board policy, which requires you take this action within a specified number of days. Familiarize yourself with the policy and the deadlines so you do not lose your right to appeal. Since school began for the 2011 school year, The SCEA has received calls from teachers concerned about decisions made at the end of the 2010 school year, and they want to file an appeal. Unfortunately, by waiting all summer, they missed the deadline to file. Examples are contract issues, job assignments and so forth.