After two years, ACT more active than ever

The Association of Commonwealth Teachers has successfully hurdled the tumult of the last two years and has initiated a number of actions and activities that has earned it the trust of the public and the Board of Education, according to outgoing president Betty Miller.

She said the past two years have been a whirlwind of activity for the association—all with the goal of creating an active and well-organized group. These included coming up with a list of top priorities such as increasing communication among teachers, encouraging teachers to stay informed and get involved, and rebuilding the image of ACT with the Board of Education and the public.

To accomplish these goals, Miller said the ACT leadership worked hard to put members’ differences aside and work together for the common good.

Among the achievements and improvements noted by the organization in the last two years are:

* the establishment of a teacher’s website with current events, links, photos, and a teachers’ blog;

* an extensive bylaw revision process with input from all interested members;

* providing advance notice to teachers regarding BOE meetings;
the attendance of at least one ACT officer at all BOE meetings with minutes sent from the meetings to all members; and meetings with the Public School System leadership and/or the Board of Education regarding teacher concerns.

Miller said the meetings with the PSS leadership and the board resulted in a closer examination of health and safety concerns in schools, Praxis compensation for Step 11 employees, additional time allowed for ESL teachers on the Praxis exams, and most recently the re-evaluation of required Praxis II passing scores.

ACT also conducted a pre-election roundtable on education with candidates for all offices and interested members of the community last year. It also held workshops and meetings with non-highly qualified teachers to better assist them in becoming highly qualified, and continued the dialogue with the governor and the Education Board regarding the appointment of a teacher representative to the BOE.

In addition to these, members of ACT have been quietly working behind the scenes in support of various community activities such as PAWS Kids Night Out, CAMI Children’s Party, Operation Homefront Support, Education Day public wavings, and Developmental Disability Month Activities.

Miller said she was honored and privileged to serve public school teachers for two years.

“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the teachers of the CNMI as ACT president. This is a terrific organization, and a wonderful way for teachers to stay informed and get involved. Although there is still much to do, I have no doubt my successor will be well equipped to continue down the positive path the members have chosen. I offer my congratulations to whomever the teachers select, and will be happy to provide support in any way requested,” she said.
[B] ‘Election extended’[/B]

Last week’s election for new ACT officers was extended through this week to give more teacher time to participate.
Ballots are expected until Friday, May 29.

Miller said teachers from Rota and Tinian are welcome to email their votes to cnmiactnow@gmail.com.

“While there is only one candidate for each office on the ballot, we sincerely hope all student contact personnel will take time to vote. Voters can either express support for the candidate on the ballot or they are welcome to write in a candidate. It is not necessary to be a member of ACT to vote in this election,” she said.

Sam Joyner is so far the sole candidate for the position and most likely would succeed Miller in the organization.
Miller is the acting vice principal of San Vicente Elementary School.