Q&A with ACT president Betty Miller

The Association of Commonwealth Teachers, an organization for teachers within the CNMI, is currently working on several education-related issues.

Acting San Vicente vice principal Betty Miller is the current ACT president. Here she answers some questions about the organization.

[B]Question: What does ACT aim to do?[/B] [B]Answer[/B]: The Association of Commonwealth Teachers has three purposes:

1. Facilitating an open flow and exchange of information relating to teaching and education in the CNMI.

2. Elevate and unify the teaching profession by maintaining and improving the conditions of its teachers with respect to salaries, conditions of employment, working conditions, and the right to freedom of expression in and out of the classroom, without fear of repercussions.

3. Advocate and support teachers and other student contact professionals by upholding professional standards and cooperating with educational associations, political bodies, and other agencies interested in quality teacher education.

[B]Q: What goals is ACT working for currently?[/B] [B]A:[/B] The Association holds a General Membership meeting at least once a quarter to determine current concerns or needs of teachers. We schedule additional meetings throughout the quarter, should the need arise. We currently have several projects underway based on the needs and concerns expressed by teachers:

1. We continue to work with the Governor’s office and Board of Education to determine the process required to garner an appointment of a Teachers Representative to the Board of Education. The Association of Commonwealth Teachers wholeheartedly encourages teachers to become actively involved in the selection process, once it has been determined by the current Board of Education and the Governor.

2. We recently completed a research project regarding the CNMI plan for Highly Qualified Teachers in the CNMI. The Board of Education has asked us to prepare a presentation regarding any changes we may want to propose. We have finished analyzing the data, have surveyed teachers as to proposed changes, and are finalizing our recommendations for the BOE.

3. We have been working with the BOE to review the status of Step 11 employees who did not receive compensation for passing Praxis. We are hopeful the matter will be resolved at the next Board of Education meeting.

4. We have held three workshops designed to support teachers who have not yet become Highly Qualified. We are in the process of developing a support network and packet of suggestions for non-HQT teachers, which will be delivered to all schools in the CNMI shortly.

5. We will soon be involved in assisting schools that would like to participate in Operation CNMI Home Front Support to provide care packages for our troops off island over the holidays.

6. In addition to the above, in the previous year we have established a website for the teachers of the CNMI. The website contains the following links: A teacher’s blog, PSS Central Office, Marianas Variety, Saipan Tribune, a photo page for current events in schools or with the Association, and quotes and poems submitted by teachers. The website is www.cnmiactnow.com

[B]Q: Who can be a member of ACT?[/B] [B]A:[/B] As per our bylaws ,“membership in the Association is open year-round to all CNMI public school teachers and other professional student contact personnel. Membership shall automatically continue unless otherwise terminated. If dues are levied, members will be required to pay dues for the current school year, regardless of when they enroll.“

[B]Q: How many members are currently in ACT?[/B] [B]A:[/B] We conduct a membership drive and update our membership status each year during Education Day, as that is the only time all teachers in the CNMI are gathered in one location. Our membership update last Education Day shows 203 members. This varies a bit as teachers leave the system, and new teachers enroll. We will be updating our roster this Education Day in November.

[B]Q: Why did you become involved in ACT?[/B] [B]A:[/B] I initially joined ACT because I wanted to network with teachers in other schools and see how we could work together to address some of the concerns impacting teachers in the CNMI. It was not my intention to run for an officer’s position. When I was nominated as a candidate for the election of officers, I initially refused. Upon reflection I realized that, if we wanted to affect a positive change for teachers in the CNMI, we had to do more than just complain about problems in the system. We needed to work collaboratively with the Board of Education. It was time for us to go beyond “talking the talk” and start “walking the walk.” It was time to ACT and I needed to do my part.

[B]CONTACT INFORMATION [/B] Association of Commonwealth Teachers
– www.cnmiactnow.com
– cnmiactnow@gmail.com
– PO Box 7018 SVRB
– (670) 287-2386