w e i e w and the winner is - weebly
TRANSCRIPT
Leading Women Educators Impacting Education Worldwide
NEWSVol. 76 No. 4 July/Aug 2019
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A reality check from Cathy Daugherty
Executive Director gives HQ update
Administrative Board Actions
The winner of the 2019 DKG
Educators Book Award is Ghosts in The Schoolyard by Eve L. Ewing. Fo-cusing on an un-precedented series of school closings that occurred in Chicago in 2013, the book provides a strong narrative of the powerful effects on a community when schools are closed. Although it is the story of one community and one school, the applica-tion is universal as the reader relates to the powerful impact change has on a community.
The Educators Book Award Committee also awarded two honorable mentions—to What Successful Teachers Do by Mary C. Clement and My Parent’s Keeper by Jody Gast-friend. What Successful Teachers Do would be an excellent resource for a collegiate member
or an early-career educator as it is full of best practices and suggestions for classroom teachers. Because many members will at some point in their lives find themselves as caregiver for an adult, My Parent’s Keeper is a great resource for information and encour-agement.
2019 Educators Book Award winner: Ghosts in the Schoolyard by Eve L. Ewing.
And the Winner Is...
Runner-up: What Successful Teachers Do by DKG member Mary C. Clement.
Runner-up: My Parent’s Keeper by Jody Gastfriend.
See WINNER p.5
HQ CLOSED
Thursday, July 4Celebration of Independence
Day in USA
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By Cathy P. Daugherty, RP 2018-2020 International President
Reality Check
Contentment blindsides the best of us and denies our
access to the “big picture.” For too long DKG members have been content with their property in downtown Austin. We have used a “band aid” approach to
stave off the reality of a situation that has been staring us in the face. Our current headquarters building func-tions well as the 1956 building it was built to be. As a business supporting over 65,000 members in the 21st century, it does not fare well for either members or staff. Building materials used in the 1950s, most notably asbestos, prevent needed interior improvements without major, costly abatement procedures that would shut down operations for the duration of the work. Antiquated plumbing and the building’s location at the foot of a sloped alley have led to several floods, the most recent occurring in early 2019. The building’s electrical grid limits our growth in technology. When the air conditioner chiller expires we will have major financial issues. And now, an asset our employees and visitors enjoy– free parking on our adjacent lot – is being taxed by the City of Austin above the annual property taxes already hovering around $75,000.
Our answer to each crisis has been tied to “fingers crossed” and silent prayer. Over the years, and especially during the last five years, the international executive board has supported property issues by its affirmative votes to fund projects necessary to maintain the building. DKG and its staff have truly been stewards of the original investment made on this property and the building that sits on it; however, stewardship has its limits. We are facing a reality check.
Earlier this spring, both the international president and executive director began receiving unsolicited emails and phone calls from Austin realtor/development groups. Sim-ilar inquiries have been part of our history over the years
due to the proximity of Society Headquarters to the Texas State Capitol. As has been past practice, these inquiries were quietly discussed and filed away. That changed when a personal, handwritten note from one company landed on our doorstep. Maybe there was something going on with our property that we needed to investigate. Was our contentment appropriate in today’s world? Thus began a series of meetings with two major real estate companies to uncover answers to questions we had. In the process, we learned much about our property and its unique location with respect to Austin’s restrictions on land use, density rules, and site views from the Texas State Capitol. In mid-May 2019, Administrative Board (AB) members heard presentations from two realtors. Their surprise at the multiple options to consider was palpable. What followed were discussions by the AB that resulted in two actions taken at that meeting: 1) the appointment of an ad hoc committee to investigate the possibilities described in the presentations; and 2) the selection of the Sayers Real Estate Advisors to assist the AB in these investigations. A report noting viable options from both groups (ad hoc and realtors) is due to the Board in November 2019. Where we go from there will be determined by what we hear at that meeting.
Where do members fit into this conversation and investigation regarding the Austin property? Although the ultimate decision lies with the AB (Article VII. A. 1.b. (3)…have authority for Society property including manage-ment and operations of Society Headquarters [Article XI, Headquarters.]), not the executive board or convention, it is important that you be apprised of the process and the facts that will ultimately affect the future of Society Headquarters. Expect periodic email blasts from your state organization president as facts, options, and ideas surface. Consider the options. Voice your opinions. Above all else, avoid contentment with how things stand today.
DKG NEWS EDITORTrish Woodley, [email protected]
July/Aug 2019 | Vol. 76 No. 4
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2018-2020 ADMINISTRATIVE BOARDInternational PresidentCathy P. Daugherty, RP, [email protected]
First Vice PresidentBecky Sadowski, [email protected]
Second Vice PresidentDr. Lace Marie Brogden, [email protected]
Executive DirectorNita R. Scott, CAE, [email protected]
ParliamentarianDr. Helen Popovich, PRP, [email protected]
Immediate Past PresidentCarolyn H. Pittman, [email protected]
Regional Directors
Europe Ingibjörg Jónasdóttir, Iceland [email protected]
Northeast Jane D. Tanner, New York [email protected]
Northwest Dr. Donna Niday, Iowa [email protected]
Southeast Elaine D. Warwick, Tennessee [email protected]
Southwest Marilyn Gregory, Texas [email protected]
Members-at-large
2016-2020 June M. Bowers, Nebraska [email protected]
2018-2022 Connie Rensink, Texas [email protected]
Area Representatives
Canada Betty Rose, Alberta [email protected]
Latin America Aurora Vignau, Nuevo León [email protected]
Committees & Boards Working for You!
Arts & Humanities
Learn this committee’s impact at an international conference. Page 7
Administrative Board
Review the list of actions from the May 2019 meeting of the Administrative Board. Page 7
International Speakers Fund
Develop a better understanding of how to apply to be an International Speaker or request an International Speaker. Page 4
Educational Excellence
Gain insight to leadership training happening in Iowa, California, and Iceland. Page 6
DKG Educational Foundation
Discover the impact members’ contributions are making. Page 5
Educators Book Award
Learn more about the process of selecting the Educators Book Award. Pages 1 and 4
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ISF—An Opportunity for Int’l Learning
The International Speakers Fund (ISF) provides opportu-
nities for increased international understanding, program enrichment, and personal growth for individual members through the exchange of Society speakers among member countries. Opportunities are twofold: to be a speaker or to bring a speaker to a state organization event.
Have you ever dreamed of traveling to another country as a speaker to share your knowledge and meet other DKG members? The ISF Committee invites you to apply to be added to the ISF speakers list this fall! State organization presi-
dents request members from the list based on expertise and presentation subject. As you develop descriptions of your topics, think about the audi-ence who will be reading them. You want your offering to be appealing! The speaker’s application, currently available at www.dkg.org, is due September 15, 2019.
Has your state organization had an ISF speaker at one its events? The ISF gives state organizations the chance to request a speaker to enhance their convention or confer-ence. The ISF committee approves requests based on funds available. The Fund pays for approved speak-
ers’ transportation expenses, but each host state is responsible for taking care of the speaker’s housing and meals. Many speakers enjoy staying in a fellow member’s home and experiencing another country’s local culture. State Organization Presidents: watch for an email in early October when the request win-dow opens for this fall. The deadline for state organization requests is November 1, 2019.
The ISF Committee encourages members and state organizations to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to learn with and from leading women educators worldwide!
This DKG award is given annually to a book that is thought-provoking and current and has a global scope applicable to education. The award serves to recognize outstanding women authors whose work may influence the direction of thought and action to meet the needs of today’s complex society. The book also must be well-written and show evidence of research. This opportunity also serves to provide recognition and honor to the author, who receives $2500.
Identifying award recipients requires the dedicated work of the Educators Book Award committee members, who must read every book that meets the basic requirements and provide in-depth evaluations of each work. After reading all submissions and evaluating them via a rubric based on the criteria for the award, each committee mem-ber provides a ranked list of her top five choices. Rankings from the individual committee members are combined to identify the top five submissions, and each committee member is assigned a book for which to provide an in-depth review that is the basis for discussion when the committee meets in person. This preliminary work is supplemented by thorough discussion and analysis of the candidates, with voting to determine the ultimate winner.
The committee is now accepting submissions for the 2020 award. A nominated book must be copyrighted in its first edition during the period of January 1 through December 31, 2019; the application for consideration may be made by either the publisher or the author. The book must be authored by a woman or women, be research-based, and have a direct or implied relation to education everywhere. Copies of the book must be submitted to all commit-tee members by February 1, 2020.
One of the goals of the committee is to identify books that provide resources for members and to highlight sig-nificant work of women educators and their writings. The Educators Book Award committee encourages members to use the books in a chapter meeting, provide information about them in a newsletter, or perhaps highlight them in a chapter or state website. Book reviews, book discussions, or simply sharing copies among members are all easy ways to use the books and make these great resources available.
From WINNER p.5
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DKG Educational Foundation
Did you know that so far this fiscal year the DKG Educational Foundation (DKGEF) has given out more than $130,000 to support professional
development opportunities as well as projects impacting education in a variety of areas? Members’ contributions support
• Cornetet Individual Awards for Professional Development ($21,564.34);• Cornetet Professional Development Seminar Awards to state organizations
implementing full-scale professional development events ($8,932.11); and• Project Awards touching all areas of education and available to members
and nonmembers alike ($99,702.91). Project awards include $72,202.91 for new projects as well as $27,500 for renewed/ongoing projects.
All members are encouraged to apply for a Cornetet Individual Professional Development Award or to plan with others to seek a Seminar Professional Development Award! Resources for such professional growth and for worthwhile projects are available! Visit dkgef.dkg.org and click on the Apply/Submit tab for details.
DEADLINESJuly 15Submission of Annual Report of Chapter Treasurer (Form 15) to state organization treasurer
August 1Submissions to Bulletin: Collegial Exchange
Aug. 15-Sept. 15Submissions to DKG Fine Arts Gallery
September 1Applications to DKGEF for Cornetet Individual Awards for Professional Development
September 1Submission of Annual Report of State Org. Treasurer (Form 16)
September 15Applications to become International Speaker
September 15Nomination Recommendations for Int’l Elected Positions
September 27Registration for GoAhead trip to NYC after 2020 convention in Philadelphia
September 30Registration for October 2020 GoAhead trip to San Francisco and California Wine Country
October 1Submissions to Bulletin: Journal
October 1Submission of proposed amendments to Constitution/ISR
Ask AnnieDear Annie,
I’ve heard that new proposals for constitutional amendments are due October 1, 2019. Didn’t we just finish amending the Constitution?! Why so soon?
—Melissa Member
Dear Melissa,At the international convention
last summer, members approved an amendment to allow for constitutional amendment proposals every 2 years instead of every 4 years. This change provides for timelier revisions to the Constitution and gives the flexibility to be more responsive to what is best for members.
Tremendous strides were made toward simplifying our governing documents by making changes that
are moving our Society forward, but there is still more to be done. You, as a member, are encouraged to review the Constitution and exercise your right to propose an amendment by October 1, 2019.
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Last issue, I pledged to offer more details about the recent flood in the Headquar-
ters building. As noted in Our Heritage Volume II, the lot upon which the building was built was purchased in 1939 and the building itself was completed in 1956. Society leaders were quite
forward thinking in many ways – from carefully choosing a valuable location to providing parking for employees (a priceless commodity in downtown Austin) and from thinking of all the details (including an ele-vator shaft for future additions) to building and furnishing it all debt-free. What a privilege it is to work every day in such a lovely environment!
Of course, as many of us know firsthand, with increasing age come many challenges. Over the past years, improvements and repairs have been necessary. The increasing use of technology has led to creative solutions in regard to sourcing power and adding cable. Replacing the windows increased efficiency and thus reduced the utility bill (consider-ing the heating and cooling system is also a 1956 model and feeling as old as I feel some days). Flooring and furniture have been replaced due to wear, and security systems have been added for the safety of the building and staff. The recent addition of a video securi-ty system revealed just how many homeless trespassers the building sees each night and weekend. As a result, benches were removed, lights were added, and gates were secured a bit tighter.
The recent flood, which was the third in the past decade, was the result of a plumbing malfunction. Fortunately, insurance covered the majority of the costs for the repairs in this instance, but past events due to weather have not been covered. However, the repairs took almost 2 months to complete. Grateful that a supporting wall could be saved and more repair was not needed, I am also grateful for the patience and perseverance of the staff who endured the noise, dust, and clutter.
The building is back to normal for now, and so is the daily routine at Headquarters. However, conversation has turned to the future of the building as we continue to face that ominous question, “What if….?”
From the Desk of the Director
EEC Training at International Conferences
Training opportunities for Educational Excellence Committee (EEC) chairs are being held at each international conference in the form of back-to-back workshops. Participants are sharing ideas on promoting the mentoring
of new educators through the Supporting Early-career Educator’s Project (SEE); increasing support of the Schools for Africa (SFA) Project at all levels; promoting UN activities; and training leaders to advocate for educational law and policy. Dates are as follows:
• Des Moines, Iowa: Workshop Sessions 3 and 4 on Friday, July 12, 2019;• Costa Mesa, California: Workshop Sessions 1 and 2 on Thursday, July 18, 2019;• Reykjavik, Iceland: Workshop Sessions 1 and 2 on Friday, July 26, 2019; and• Mashantucket, Connecticut: Workshop Sessions 4 and 5 on Thursday, August 1, 2019.
Fans and dehumidifiers were used throughout the building to dry staff offices downstairs, the kitchen, and an upstairs lounge.
Nita R. Scott, CAEExecutive Director
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The following actions were taken during the May 2019 meeting of the International Administrative
Board: 1. Adopted Vendor List #2 and List #4 for the 2019 International Conferences.2. Approved the exploration of options regarding the future of Society Headquarters property.3. Approved a plan to work in consultation with the Sayers Real Estate Advisors regarding the future of Society Headquarters property.
a. Ad hoc committee appointed to study the future of Society HQ building and property: Lace Brogden, chair; Marilyn Gregory; Becky Sad-owski; Nita Scott, ex officio without vote; Cathy Daugherty, ex officio with vote.b. Committee will work with the Society’s consultant, Sayers Real Estate Advisors, on an initial report for the November 2019 meeting of the International Administrative Board.
4. Approved Administrative Board support of the potential merger of the DKG Educational Foundation and the DKG Supporting Corporation.
a. Ad hoc committee appointed to pursue the merger of the DKGEF and the DKG Supporting Corporation: Kay Clawson, chair; Carolyn Pittman; Becky Sadowski; Merry Lewis; Sandi
Causey; Peggy Jonas, accounting manager, ex officio without vote; Nita Scott, ex officio with-out vote; Cathy Daugherty, ex officio with vote.b. An additional ad hoc committee will be charged with developing the bylaws for the new entity: Helen Popovich, chair; Lynna Gene Cook; Kay Stuart.c. Committees will work with non-profit asso-ciation attorney Mollie Cullinane and report at the November 2019 meeting of the International Administrative Board.
5. Approved a recommendation that the 2022 International Convention be held at the Sheraton in New Orleans, Louisiana, during the week of July 10 – 18, 2022 (pending International Executive Board approval).6. Approved the scheduling of three international conferences in 2021.7. Approved a recommendation that Finland be the site of the 2021 International Conference in Europe (pending International Executive Board approval).8. Approved the statement “All educators who identify as women may be invited to membership” as the Society’s inclusivity statement.9. Approved changes to the 2015-2025 Society Strategic Plan, effective May 18, 2019.
Artists Share their Talents at Conferences
May 2019 Administrative Board Actions
Workshop sessions regarding the DKG Fine Arts Gallery have incorporated a new feature for the 2019 international confer-
ences held in the United States. In addition to learning about the Gallery and how to submit works to this showcase for DKG talent, attendees have had the opportunity to meet members whose works currently appear in the Gallery. This personalized approach involved the artists’ sharing of their works, providing background on what inspired them to create their pieces, and other interesting aspects of their submissions.
Categories for submissions include written arts, performance arts, visual arts—or even a combination of these media. Members should plan to submit their art for consideration during the next submission period, August 15 – September 15, 2019.
Peaceful Shadows © Pastel Painting by Gretchen Covington, CA.
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INTERNATIONAL UPDATE: JAPANThis column is submitted on a rotating basis by the Europe Regional Director, the area representatives for Canada and Latin America, and Japan.
Loss of human life in terrorism continues in many parts of the world and never
ends. One young Japanese man named Yosuke Nagai stood up and began to take action against terrorism by organizing an NGO called “Accept International” around 8 years ago. This NGO is trying hard to stop and terminate terrorism with a very unique approach. Members accept gangs of young terrorists and try to reorient them toward de-extremism. They also help young ex-terrorists reintegrate back into society. The organization’s base of operations is in Somalia. They are expanding their opera-tions little by little to different parts of the world to achieve their goals.
Speaker Yosuke Nagai (center front row) presented a lecture on Accept International to members at Japan State Organization convention.
Japan State Organization has opened a new project to support Accept International. As a matter of fact, Nagai was invited to the state organization convention on June 1 and gave a lecture on his intentions and activities. The lecture was open to the public as well, and many non-DKG members came to listen.
Nagai’s lecture was preceded by visits to some schools in Kochi. He spent two extra days in Kochi before the convention to give classes to the students at different schools— university, technical college, and junior high school. Many students were deeply im-pressed by his talk.
From now on, Japan State Organization members are going to create as many opportunities as possible to have “classes on demand” by Accept International at various schools to make its activities better known to young people and adults in Kochi.