News | White Bear Lake Area Educators, Local #7286

In defense of public education

Randi Weingarten and NYC teacher Tamara Simpson

Attacks on public education in America by extremists and culture-war peddling politicians have reached new heights (“lows” may be more apt), but they are not new. The difference today is that the attacks are intended not just to undermine public education but to destroy it.

WBLTA in the State Senate

Your union colleague Kelly Neff went to work for you Monday championing better services and protection for our students speaking in favor of a DFL Gun Violence Protection bill. She was part of a press conference organized by Senator Jason Isaacson and supported by our own EDMN. Your WBLTA dues paid for her sub so she could testify.

Here is the link to Kelly's addition to the press conference.

2018 WBLTA Teacher of the Year!

Congratulations to our 2018 Teacher of the Year, Maggie Clark from Oneka Elementary!

Schools Keep Improving. Will Our Legislature's Standards Keep Pace?

Star Tribune commentary written by Joe Nathan, a former educator, and current director for the Center for School Change.
schools_keep_improving_so_now_lets_get_our_candidates_on_board_-_startribune.pdf

2017-2018 WBLTA Calendar

Here is the current calendar for the 2017-2018 school year. The calendar is also available on district Google Calendar.

wblta_meetings_and_important_dates_2017-18.pdf

Gubernatorial Election

As state election campaigns start rolling, the WBLTA will continue to work with policy makers to support teachers and public education.

Pictured here are candidate Tim Walz and WBLTA president, Dr. Michael McKenzie.

WBLTA at the Capitol

Tuesday night, WBLTA Secretary Tiffany Dittrich testified against HF 386, a bill to allow private school tuition and donations as a 70% tax credit.

Dittrich is pictured testifying against Senator Roger Chamberlain's bill, while he is seated next to her.

First Annual WBLTA Family Picnic

August 27th was the first annual WBLTA Family Picnic, held at White Bear Lake County Park. Members from several buildings attended, representing elementary, middle, and high schools. Kids played and parents chatted while our president manned the grill. We had a great turnout and hope to serve even more hotdogs next year.

In upcoming years the picnic will be at held at Podvin Park, with the next two years already booked. Mark your calendar for August 26, 2017 (the Saturday before workshop week) for next year's picnic.

WBLTA Supports Local Food Shelf

As part of American Education week on November 11-16, members of the WBLTA raised funds for the White Bear Lake Area Emergency Food Shelf.

Last week, WBLTA President, Michael McKenzie, donated a check for $3,220. The White Bear Lake Emergency Food Shelf supports families from all communities in ISD 624.

A big thank you to all who gave to support our community!

Congratulations Nominees!

Congratulations to all of this year's Teacher of the Year nominees. Over 50 teachers were nominated by students, parents, and colleagues of these incredible teachers.

Click here for the complete list of teachers and their schools.