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FAQ on Pensions for VEA Members

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 05:00:00 GMT

FAQ on Pensions for VEA Members

VEA is informing members about potential threats to Virginia Retirement System (VRS) pension benefits. Read on for answers to frequently asked questions

What changes to our retirement benefits are being proposed?

No bills have been filed, but we expect legislation affecting your pension benefits will be introduced in the next legislative session, which begins January 13, 2010.

It's quite possible that any proposed changes will draw from a report commissioned by lawmakers and prepared by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee. That report outlined possible changes ranging from increasing the minimum retirement age and slashing cost-of-living adjustments to forcing new employees into risky 401(k)-style plans in which they would lose a guaranteed benefit.

Read more about the options JLARC outlined, which are labeled R1 through R7, here. It's important that you become familiar with these options as context for the FAQs to follow.

Who would be affected by any of these options? Just new teachers? What about people planning to retire soon?

First, understand that current retirees would not be affected.

The attached chart was prepared by VRS Director Bob Schultze, based on legal advice provided to VRS.

The VRS chart shows that those currently employed could have their retirement benefits changed through a measure requiring them to pay 2 percent more toward their retirement (R1) or an option that would reduce their COLA following retirement (R2). Current employees with fewer than five years of membership in the VRS plan are called "non-vested" members. In addition to being subject to R1 and R2, non-vested members would be subject to a change that would raise the minimum retirement age to 60 (R3).

New teachers -- those hired after any new legislation took effect -- would be subject to the above options as well as any changes in benefits outlined in R4 to R7. Chief among our concerns is that these options take away a guaranteed benefit and, in various degrees, require these new members to build their own nest egg by rolling a dice in the investment market. According to estimates by PriceWaterhouseCooper, an employee in one of these options would see their benefit cut by 48 percent.

Remember, though, that the General Assembly may or may not adopt the VRS' interpretation of who would be affected by changes. We'll need to review the legislation.

For a more in-depth look at your legal rights as it relates to your pension benefits, go here.

I'm planning on retiring this year! When would changes take effect?

Laws passed by the General Assembly generally go into effect on July 1, unless they contain a special enactment clause. The VRS has indicated to VEA that members who retire this year will have a retirement date of July 1, 2010. Those who are considering whether to retire within the next few years will want to pay particularly close attention to this session of the General Assembly, although there's no sure way to know if legislation will be finalized before you are asked to give notice of your intent to retire. We'll have the latest info here. We hope you'll also become a cyberlobbyist to receive timely information about retirement changes and help VEA influence the debate. Click here to become a cyberlobbyist.

Why is VEA opposed to employees being responsible for their own investment decisions, as with a 401(k) account?

Because any move to add a "personal risk" element to the VRS pension will necessarily mean taking away from the guaranteed pension. And the evidence is simply overwhelming that defined-benefit pension plans, like the one you have through the Virginia Retirement System, have advantages that far outweigh any windfall that a small fraction of members might be able to amass through their investing acumen. For a complete list of reasons why DB plans are superior click here -- or just ask a friend how his 401(k) is doing these days.

Who has a voice in the investments that VRS makes?

The VRS Board of Trustees that approves the investment strategy (Asset Allocation). Charles Grant is the Chief Investment Officer. For more, contact Virginia Retirement System, P.O. Box 2500, Richmond, VA 23218-2500; 1-888-827-3847 ext: 3252.

Is the VEA working with other state employees on this issue?

We formed a coalition and began working on this issue last fall. Participating organizations include the Virginia State Police Association, VA AFL-CIO, Virginia Governmental Employees Association, Virginia Chiefs of Police, the Virginia Professional Firefighters, and others.

Do these proposed changes affect only education employees or all state employees?

We won't know until we see the drafted legislation. We have viewed the JLARC report through our own lens to determine the potential threat to our members. There have been no indications that educators will be singled out. We will have to look at the legislation, but legislation is likely to address all groups equally.

How will VEA get younger teachers involved in this issue?

VEA's plan is to disseminate the latest information to our leadership and to our Association representative structure in the usual ways, therefore making it available to all members, regardless of age. We ask that local Association leaders pass along information such as the resources provided here to young teachers, whether they are members or not! Post links to your Association Facebook page or organize a coffee or get-together after school hours to share the threats facing our retirement benefits.

How can I stay informed of any developments?

We'll provide an array of resources to help you understand and interpret changes to retirement benefits at our "Future Shock" main page. In addition, VEA's "Daily Reports from the General Assembly" blog, authored by Rob Jones, keeps you informed about the latest legislation affecting public educators and schools. Daily entries will be posted beginning January 13. As indicated above, if you become a VEA cyberlobbyist, you'll receive occasional e-mail messages letting you know a major legislative development is occurring.

Which legislators do we contact to let our views be known?

Make sure your members of the state Senate and House of Delegates know your position on threats to retirement security. To find out who represents you, click here.

Quest for a Healthy Retirement in Virginia

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Quest for a Healthy Retirement in Virginia

For more than 100 years, VEA has supported the creation and maintenance of a retirement system for Virginia's school employees that will provide a reasonable quality of life during retirement. Here's a list of important events that have lead to what we enjoy today.

1906 VEA supports creation of a Teacher Pension Plan.

1909 Pension Plan is adopted by General Assembly.

1935 VEA formulates an actuarially sound retirement law.

1935 Social Security Act becomes law.

1942 VEA-proposed retirement law is adopted by General Assembly.

1952 Supplemental Retirement System combined with Social Security.

1970 VEA wins cost-of-living adjustments to teacher retirement.

1974 VEA wins law to compute retirement on highest three consecutive years, instead of five years, thus raising retirement benefits.

1975 VEA wins level-cost funding of the Virginia Supplemental Retirement Fund.

1977 7,500 members rally in Richmond to save the state teachers' retirement system and seek role in decision making.

1979 VEA successfully opposes "cap plan" that would have reduced retirement benefits.

1987 VEA successfully lobbies to reduce retirement age from 60 to 55 years.

1996 VEA successfully lobbies to create the retirement insurance health credit for retirees.

1996 VEA successfully lobbies to make the Virginia Retirement System an independent trust to protect funds from political whims.

1999 VEA wins reduction in normal retirement age from 55 to 50 years.

1999 VEA wins increase in retirement multiplier from 1.65% to 1.70%.

2001 VEA wins legislation that allows for purchase of prior service and for a partial lump sum payment option.

2007 VEA wins increase in retirement insurance health credit from $2.50 to $4 per month and removes a 30-year cap on the benefit.

Supporting Traditional Pension Plans: Eight Talking Points

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Supporting Traditional Pension Plans: Eight Talking Points

A preponderance of evidence shows that traditional defined-benefit (DB) pension plans are superior to defined-contribution (DC) plans such as the 401(k). These talking points address some of the key issues.

DC plans for public employees have not worked in other states.

Nebraska switched back to traditional pension and West Virginia is trying to help those now in the DC system get back into the traditional pension plan.

DC plans will not save money -- in fact, costs could rise.

Costs to administer one large pension system are about 10 times lower than costs to administer millions of personal accounts.
Retirees who invest poorly or outlive their savings under DC plan will require more public assistance, increasing costs to taxpayers.

DC plans are not the favored retirement plans for top businesses.

70% of Fortune 500 firms offer traditional pension as their primary retirement plan.
Top firms recognize the importance of attracting and keeping valuable employees.

Stable, dependable traditional pension systems are better for employers, employees, and taxpayers.

Traditional pensions are more cost-effective and offer a benefit employees can count on.
The real winner in a transition to DC plans will be Wall Street.

Traditional pensions are a cost-effective way to attract quality teachers.

Experience of states that offer DC plan as an option to public employees is that few choose them.
With public school salaries lagging the private sector by a wide margin, a secure retirement plan is vital to recruiting new teachers.

Individually invested retirement money should be a supplement, not the core retirement savings plan.

In Nebraska, the traditional pension plan earned 11% annually from 1983-1999. Participants in DC plan earned 6%.
Supplemental DC plans, especially when the employer helps contribute to it, are an excellent addition to a traditional pension, but it should not replace one.

Public employees are pulling their weight.

The rate of employee contributions to pension plans is rising.
Taxpayers pay about 26 cents per pension dollar; employee contributions and investment returns make up the remainder.
Where pension programs are underfunded, often the cause is that employers cut their contribution rates or took "pension holidays" when investment returns were higher.

Pensions are modest deferred pay for a lifetime of public service.

The average annual public employee pension is about $18,500. And many public employees do not have Social Security to reply upon.

You have the facts on your side!

Summary of the VRS Options Outlined in JLARC Report

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Summary of the VRS Options Outlined in JLARC Report

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) presented a report on in 2008 that included options for state employee compensation. The report included sections on cost-saving options for funding the Virginia Retirement System. The seven options presented (R1 to R7), in the language of the report authors, move from "minimal impact" to "more aggressive."

Option R1: Require Employees to Contribute into VRS

Currently, employees are required to contribute 5% of their pay into the VRS. However, as a substitute for pay increases over the years, the state and most local government employers pay the employees' contribution for them.

JLARC suggests that the increase in employee contributions could be phased in over a period of years, "for example in 0.5 percent increments during years in which the General Assembly provides an annual salary increase to employees."

JLARC: "Because of the tax-deferred treatment of the State-paid member contributions…, IRS rules prohibit the State from requiring employees to again pay the five percent member contribution. However, new contributions in addition to the five percent are allowable."

This option, JLARC advises, would "result in a cost avoidance" for the State of approximately $89 million in 2013, if the entire 2% contribution were required by that time.

Option R2: Reduce the COLA Granted to Future Retirees

Current retirees receive a cost-of-living adjustment each year in which the cost of living increases. The COLA is equal to the first 3% of the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI), plus one-half of each percent increase from three percent to seven percent. The maximum COLA is set at 5%.

JLARC: "To reduce plan cost and risk, the General Assembly could reduce the COLA for future retirees." The option proposed by JLARC would provide a COLA equal to the first 2% in CPI increase, plus one-half a percent for each percent increase from two percent to four percent. The maximum COLA would be set at 4%.

This option, JLARC advises, would "result in a cost avoidance" for the State of approximately $54 million if fully implemented by 2013.

Option R3: Increase Minimum Retirement Age for Non-Vested and Newly-Hired Regular VRS Employees to 60

For state employees, the minimum age for retirement without a reduced benefit was 60 prior to 1987. It was lowered to 55 in 1987 and lowered again to 50 in 1999.

JLARC: "To be consistent with (the) national trend and reduce cost and risk to the State, the General Assembly could consider increasing the minimum age at which non-vested and newly-hired regular VRS members become eligible for full retirement benefits from age 50 to age 60."

This option, JLARC advises, would result in a reduction in the required employer contribution that is about .5 percent of payroll when all employees fall under the new minimum age for full benefits.

Option R4: Replace Retiree Health Insurance Credit With Integral Part Trust for Newly-Hired and Non-Vested State Employees

Currently school retirees receive a monthly supplement to help pay for health insurance equal to $4 times their years of service. For a retiree with 30 years of service, the monthly payment equals $120.

JLARC: "Another option that would only apply to newly-hired employees would be to replace the retiree health insurance credit with an integral part trust (IPT) retirement health savings account. Conceptually, this would shift employees from the defined-benefit design of the credit to a defined-contribution design of an IPT.

JLARC points out that the change "would also require retirees to manage their account balance to ensure that they have funds available throughout retirement, which means that employees bear a greater risk for saving and planning for these expenses than they would under the current health insurance credit program."

This option, JLARC advises, would reduce the state's long-term liability associated with retiree health insurance.

Option R5: Create a new Combination Plan

Currently, school retirees receive a pension equal to 1.7% of their average salary (best consecutive 3 years) multiplied by their years of service. And, currently, the plan is fully funded by the employer.

JLARC: "A combination plan includes both defined-benefit and defined-contribution components." The example used, provides a defined benefit based upon a 1% (compared to 1.7%) formula and a defined contribution plan with the employer partially matching the contribution made by the employee. The example has the employer matching each percent of contribution up to 2% and .5% for each additional 1% employee contribution, up to a maximum employer contribution of 5%.

JLARC points out that this plan would provide a future retiree with 30 years of service a benefit equal to 85% of the benefit of the current plan.

This option, JLARC advises, would save employers nearly 2% (1.94%) of payroll once completely implemented.

Option R6: Create a New Cash Balance Plan

JLARC: "Cash balance plans exhibit the account accumulation approach of a defined-contribution plan and mitigate the risk that the employee would make poor investment decisions during their career by guaranteeing a consistent, annual rate of return." The JLARC example requires employees to contribute 5% of salary and the employer to contribute 7% for the first 10 years, 10% for the next 10 years, 13% for the next 10 years, and 16% for years beyond 30.

JLARC points out that such a plan would provide a future retiree with 30 years of service a benefit equal to 57% of the benefit of the current plan.

The option, JLARC advises, would save employers nearly 3.33% of payroll once completely implemented.

Option R7: Create a New Defined-Contribution Plan

Currently, school retirees receive a pension equal to 1.7% of their average salary (best consecutive 3 years) multiplied by their years of service. And, currently, the plan if fully funded by the employer.

JLARC: "Defined contribution retirement plans can be attractive to employers because they result in more predictable and stable employer costs-whereas contribution to defined-benefit plans vary each year based on actuarial assumptions, defined-contribution plans remain the same."

The JLARC example requires employees to contribution 5% of salary and the employer to contribute 3% for the first 10 years, 4% for the next 10 years, 5% for the next 10 years, and 7% for years beyond 30. JLARC points out that such a plan would provide a future retiree with 30 years of service a benefit equal to 52% of the benefit of the current plan.

The option, JLARC advises, would save employers nearly 5% (4.94%) of payroll once completely implemented.

To review the JLARC report, go to http://jlarc.state.va.us/reports/Rpt378.pdf. The Retirement Benefits options are contained in Chapter 5.

Time to Retire the 401(k)

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Time to Retire the 401(k)

"The ugly truth…is that the 401(k) is a lousy idea, a financial flop, a rotten repository for our retirement reserves."

The quote is from an October 9, 2009, Time article titled "Why It's Time to Retire the 401(k)."

Tax-deferred programs like the 401(k) and 403(b) were never intended to replace traditional retirement, but that's exactly what has happened while companies look for ways to provide cheaper retirement benefits for employees.

For a good history on tax-deferred programs like the 401(k) and why they aren't working, check out the Time article at
http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1929119,00.html

Quotes of Note from the JLARC Report

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Quotes of Note

The JLARC report (see chapter 5) on employee compensation and retirement benefits contained many supportive and incisive quotes regarding the importance of a strong pention system. Among the nuggets:

"The primary reason the State offers a retirement plan is so employees can retire at the appropriate time with an income level that maintains a reasonable standard of living. In addition, the defined benefit plan design and its long-term accrual of benefits is intended to retain employees as they progress in their careers. The plans are also intended to help recruit prospective employees."
"…The importance of retirement benefits increases the longer an employee works. The VRS benefit is roughly 4.5 times more important for employees with more than 30 years of service than for employees with one to five years of service. Moreover, retiree health coverage is eight times more important…."
"The two provisions…most frequently cited by employees as being its most attractive aspects: (1) the fact that the VRS benefit is guaranteed and (2) that they do not have to pay into the plan to receive their VRS benefit."
"…The value of the COLA can be so considerable over time that for some lower-income retirees, the amount of the COLA they receive is now larger than their original benefit."
"…There is a historical tendency for the contributions to the VRS retirement plan to be funded at less than the amount actuarially recommended. If this trend continues, the liabilities to pay for the retirement benefits promised to current employees will continue to be pushed onto future generations in the form of higher State contributions, or will have to be off-set by higher than assumed investment returns."
"Not having to contribute into the plan was one of the most attractive attributes of the VRS plan for employees. As a result, this reduction (requiring employees to pay 2% of pay) in take-home pay would not be welcomed by employees."
"Despite the shift away from defined benefit plans in the private sector, they remain the dominant plan design in the public sector. …The challenges confronting the private sector that forced many to move away from defined benefit plans do not apply to the public sector.…"
"…Each of these plans, to respectively increasing degrees, shifts the burden of achieving an adequate retirement income towards employees."
"The defined contribution design shifts the greatest amount of risk to the employee because the benefit amount depends on individual employee contributions and investment earnings, neither of which are guaranteed."
"Defined contribution plans provide the greatest degree of portability and flexibility for employees. However, defined contribution plans also typically result in lower income replacement when compared to defined benefit plans. This is primarily because individual employees historically achieve lower retirement returns than what large pension funds can achieve."
"West Virginia and Nebraska used to provide a mandatory defined contribution plan for their employees, but have since replaced those plans with a defined benefit and a cash balance plan, respectively."
"Because public sector employers are 'perpetual entities' that will not go out of business, ' there is considerably less concern if the cost of a benefit program does not meet expectations for a short period of time.'"
"Public employees…'are likely to spend more years of service with a single employer than in the private sector. While a defined contribution plan is advantageous in the private sector because it pays higher benefits to short-service employees, it results in lower benefits for the majority of public sector employees.'"
"Nearly all of the teachers interviewed expressed a strong preference for the current plan design over the alternatives. The teachers interviewed stated that the guaranteed nature of the defined benefit plan is critical to their ability to retire and predicted that they would be unable to accumulate other retirement savings."
"…Teachers retiring with full VRS benefits since 2000 retired at an average of 59. In addition, 89 percent of teachers retired prior to the normal retirement age of 65. …Teachers are retiring earlier, on average, than State employees in the regular VRS plan."

What You Need to Know About VEA-Retired Elections

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 05:00:00 GMT

What You Need to Know About VEA-Retired Elections

          This year the voting procedure for VEA-Retired officers, council members, and delegates to the VEA and NEA Representative Assemblies will be different. We will be voting by “e-ballot” or electronically. Before you panic, it really is easy, secure, and fast. A computer that has internet capability and your VEA/NEA ID number are all you need. Any computer will do (your own, public library, school, neighbor, relative, etc.). Your ID number can be found on your membership card, any VEA or NEA publication (VEA Journal, VEA News, etc.). It is found on the address label and is a number that starts with three zeroes plus seven other digits (0001234567). If you don’t have a computer, or access to one, you can request a paper ballot, and VEA will mail it to you in time to vote.
          Included in these resources is a timeline for self-nominations to run for an office or for the representative assemblies, where to get them, when to return petitions, when to vote, and a step-by-step guide on how to vote. Keep it as a reference for deadlines and instructions. The dates for electing delegates to the VEA/NEA representative assemblies are different from the past and for those interested, it is important to check these deadlines. The dates to elect officers and council members is the same as the VEA elections for officers. That’s right, two different dates to watch out for this year!
          We will be electing the VEA-R president, (who also sits on the VEA Board of Directors), the VEA-R at-large seat on the VEA Board of Directors, VEA-R vice president, all even numbered VEA-R council seats (congressional districts 2, 4, 6, 8, 10) which are two-year terms, and two odd numbered seats (congressional districts 3 and 9) which will be one-year terms. We also will be voting for the VEA president and VEA vice president. Results for both elections will be posted here on the VEA website.
          How exactly do you vote on an “e-ballot”? It’s very easy. The directions are here and on your timeline sheets.

   • Go to your internet provider and type in - www.veanea.org
   • On the VEA/NEA homepage look at the column on the right hand side and click on the Election Central icon
   • Read the candidates bios and scan to the bottom of the page and click on “vote now”
   • Sign in using your first initial, space, and last name
   • Type in your VEA/NEA ID number from your card or publication
   • Vote for your candidate (s)
   • Review your ballot, and if correct click, on the “vote now or submit” button
   • Close out your program and you’re done (click on the red x at the top right corner).

Remember to check the dates for requesting a paper ballot, returning forms and ballots, and voting. They are important!

Pat Kennedy, VEA-R
VEA Elections Committee Chair

NEA '09 Representative Assembly

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

NEA '09 Representative Assembly

Are you a delegate to the 2009 NEA Representative Assembly in San Diego? VEA's Brenda Cloyd has prepared helpful information to maximize your experience in San Diego. Use the link or links below to access information on housing, fundraising, service opportunities, and much more.

The NEA Fund for Children and Public Education Voluntary Fundraising Goals for the 2009 RA
(pdf file, 2 pages)

NEA RA Delegate Mailing #2
(pdf file, 6 pages)

NEA RA Delegate Mailing #1
(pdf file, 11 pages)

A Welcome to Delegates from VEA President Kitty Boitnott

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

A Welcome to Delegates from President Kitty Boitnott

In my first year representing you as President of the VEA, I’ve traveled more than 23,000 miles (and still counting!) and spoken with hundreds of our members across the state: teachers, support professionals, administrators, retirees, and college students. I’ve attended membership drives and rep meetings, and I’ve visited schools and observed our members hard at work whether it was teaching a class, standing watch on bus duty, working with individual students, or guiding a roomful of budding musicians. I have been amazed by the diversity of the schools and school experiences that make up the educational offerings in the Commonwealth of Virginia. As I travel the highways and back roads of Virginia, the beauty of the landscape and the diversity of the geography that makes Virginia so special often move me.

We come together at our annual Delegate Assembly as an association of professionals because, as diverse as we are, and as different as our individual circumstances might be, we share in common a deep and abiding commitment to helping the children we teach reach their full potential by providing them with an excellent public school education. As our convention theme states, the members of our proud Association are “Standing Together for Public Education.”

As an elected delegate to the 124th annual Delegate Assembly of the Virginia Education Association, you are in a unique position to experience the coming together of our diverse perspectives, professional duties and responsibilities, and traditions. You will be attending caucus meetings and hearings related to your specific interests. You will take part in vigorous and respectful debate—and maybe even take a turn at the microphone—during discussion of our association’s Resolutions and New Business Items. You’ll also have opportunities to vote on a whole host of issues on behalf of the members you represent from across our great Commonwealth.

By the convention’s end, you will have helped your Association chart its course for the next year, and we will move ahead—together.

I hope you are as excited and proud as I am to stand together on behalf of Virginia’s public schools. Thank you for all you do everyday for children and for public education in Virginia. Enjoy the convention.

Dr. Kitty Boitnott, NBCT
President
Virginia Education Association

VEA Elections Central

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

VEA Elections Center

We've got all your latest news and documents relating to VEA statewide elections.

Boitnott Declared Elected to Second Term as President

VEA President Kitty Boitnott, running unopposed for a second term of office, was declared elected by the VEA Board of Directors at the group’s meeting in January. A school library information specialist from Henrico, Boitnott has led VEA through significant challenges brought on by the state’s financial crisis. She’s reinforced the Association’s focus on membership and organizing while also seeking to enhance the VEA’s instructional leadership capacity through the creation of a new Office of Teaching and Learning. Her second two-year term as VEA president will begin Aug. 1.

Also running unopposed and declared elected by the board were VEA Vice President Meg Gruber (Prince William) and Lee Dorman (Arlington), who holds one of three seats on the NEA Board of Directors.

VEA-Retired Election Results

Voting for VEA-Retired officers, council members, and delegates to the VEA and NEA Representative Assemblies has concluded. Among the officers:

Patricia Kennedy -- VEA-R Council President/1st Director on VEA Board of Directors
Ralph Booher, Jr. -- VEA-R Council 2nd At-Large Director on VEA Board of Directors
R. Edward (Eddie) Fifer -- VEA-R Council Vice President

For a complete list of your new VEA-R officers and convention delegates, click here.
For an official vote count, click here.

Questions on VEA Elections? Contact VEA's elections liaison, Patsy Coppins, at 800-552-9554, ext. 302, or pcoppins@veanea.org.

VEA General Election Schedule 2010

Campaign Regulations

Campaign Regulations for VEA Statewide Elections (pdf file, 9pp.). Campaign regulations, last updated by the VEA Board of Directors in June 2007.

Online Voting Procedures

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Online Voting Procedures

This spring, VEA for the first time is conducting online voting for statewide positions. Here’s what you need to know about the online voting process.

VEA has contracted with Votenet, a firm with extensive experience conducting secure online voting and surveys. Votenet will use VEA’ s member records to ensure that only eligible members vote, that votes are anonymous, and that results are tabulated and reported to the VEA Elections Committee.

All those registered as VEA members as of March 30 will be eligible to vote online in the elections. (Members joining after March 30 may request a paper ballot—see below.)

The VEA web site is your starting point for online voting. On the VEA site (www.veanea.org) click on the “VEA Election Central” box. Doing so will give you access to candidate biographies, written statements, and videos of speeches given at the VEA Delegate Assembly. When you’ve completed your research, click on the “Vote Now” link and you will be taken to the Votenet site to cast your ballot.

Online voting will be conducted through Votenet April 25-May 13. You will be asked to provide your individual membership number. You can find this number on your membership card or on any of your issues of the VEA News or Virginia Journal of Education. (Look at the address label; your membership number is the first line.)

The VEA Elections Committee will meet May 14 to count paper ballots and receive the results of online voting. Results will be posted May 15 on the VEA site (www.veanea.org); click on the “VEA Election Central” box.

Runoff procedure

In the event that no candidate receives a majority of votes cast, a runoff election will be held between the two candidates receiving the most votes.

The announcement of a runoff election will appear on the VEA site (www.veanea.org); click on the “VEA Election Central” box. You will follow the same procedures as outlined above to vote online in the runoff election. Votes may be cast between May 21 and June 4. Those who requested paper ballots in the first balloting will automatically be mailed a paper ballot for the runoff election.

The VEA Elections Committee will meet June 11 to count paper ballots and receive the results of online voting in the runoff election. Results will be posted June 12 on the VEA site (www.veanea.org); click on the “VEA Election Central” box.

Paper Ballot Provisions

Members joining after March 30 and those without online access may request a paper ballot. Request your paper ballot no later than April 20, and please be sure to provide your name, address, and member number. Make your request for a ballot and self-addressed, stamped envelope by contacting Patsy Coppins, VEA, 116 S. 3rd St., Richmond, VA 23219; 800-552-9554; 804-775-8302; (pcoppins@veanea.org).

Cast your vote by filling in the paper ballot and returning it in the envelope; it must be postmarked on or before May 8. (Note: If you request a paper ballot, you will be removed from online voting eligibility.)

In the event of a runoff election, those who requested paper ballots in the first balloting will automatically be mailed a paper ballot for the runoff election. Paper ballots for any runoff election must be put in the VEA-addressed, stamped envelope and postmarked on or before June 4

Questions? If you have questions about VEA elections, contact Patsy Coppins at VEA by phone (800-552-9554; 804-775-8302) or e-mail (pcoppins@veanea.org).

Ramon Moore

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Ramon Moore

Biography

A. Ramon Moore is a Special Education (LD) Government Teacher at L.C. Bird High School in Chesterfield County Public Schools. Before 2007, he was a Pre-School Development and Vocal Music Teacher in the Richmond Public Schools.

Moore currently serves the Chesterfield Education Association (CEA) as a building representative at Bird. His local leadership experiences include Member-at-Large for CEA and serving as a former assistant building representative at the A.V. Norrell Elementary School in Richmond. He will facilitate at the Student VEA Conference in March.

He has attended 3 VEA Delegate Assemblies and has represented the Association at the NEA Representative Assembly once, serving as VEA Choir Director. Moore is a 2008 SPARKS graduate, and he attended the 2008 VEA 100training, raising over $300 in PAC funds.

Moore holds his Post Graduate Certificate and a B.M.E. from Virginia State, Virginia Union, and the Virginia Commonwealth Universities.

Candidate Statement

Change is what we need! As NEA Director, my goal is to unite our organization by encouraging many young teaching professionals like myself to join our ranks to work collaboratively for positive change for educators on the national level. While I have only been an educator for seven years, I bring a fresh perspective that will generate new synergies needed within the ranks of NEA/VEA leadership.

Additionally, I promise to advocate empowerment through the NEA that will engage VEA members and their students and all present and future educational experiences. As today’s educators, we are charged with preparing tomorrow’s leaders. Our students' futures are in our hands and as an NEA Director, I promise to work tirelessly as an ambassador to restore public education to the forefront of the legislative agendas on the local, state and national levels.

Tommie McCune

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Tommie McCune

Biography

Tommie McCune currently teaches Title I Reading at Altavista Elementary School in Campbell County. She also has held several other teaching positions in grades 4 through 12.

McCune currently serves the Campbell County Education Association as building representative. Her prior local leadership experiences include serving as president, vice-president, and secretary. At present, McCune is the PAC coordinator and vice-president of District 12.

At the state level, McCune serves on the Resolutions Committee and the Fitz Turner Commission, and she is a Steering Committee member of the Minority Caucus. She has attended the VEA Delegate Assembly 24 times.

Her national experiences include having served on the NEA Board of Directors as a non-voting member and on the NEA Elections Committee. Currently, McCune is the vice-chair of the NEA Black Caucus, serves on the NEA Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee, and the Membership Services and Affiliates Relationships Committee. She has attended the NEA Representative Assembly 15 times.

McCune holds her M.Ed. from American InterContinental University and a B.S. from Elizabeth City State University.

Candidate Statement

I have always been an advocate for Great Public Schools. As I am presently in my 33rd year of teaching, I continue to focus on the challenges that impact all of our children and all levels of educators. Virginia’s children deserve someone who is dedicated, determined and dependable.

However, the challenges require the efforts of all teachers, educational support personnel, retired teachers, and parents to team together to ensure the success of our children’s future. I want to be the voice that will carry your concerns and desires to Washington and make it happen for us all.

I served one year as an NEA Board Member with non-voting privileges and I know how laws are passed. I now ask your support in allowing me to be a part of endorsing the national mandates that spell success for Virginia’s children. My vision is to move the Association forward.

Charlotte Hayer

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 05:00:00 GMT

Charlotte Hayer

Biography

Charlotte Hayer teaches business and information technology at Armstrong High School in Richmond. She also has held additional school positions in Petersburg and elsewhere. In 1992, she was named Petersburg Education Association Educator of the Year.

Hayer currently serves on the Richmond Education Association (REA) Board of Directors and is head building rep. She also has served REA as vice president and as chair of the membership committee. Previously, she served as vice-president and president of the Petersburg Education Association.

At the state level, Hayer serves as a member of the Women’s Leadership Training Cadre. She also serves the state as member of the Advisory Board for Teacher Education and Licensure. She has previously served VEA on the legislative, resolutions, economic benefits, and credentials committees, as well as on the Task Force on the Future of Public Education. She has attended the VEA Delegate Assembly since 1993.

Her national experience includes current service on the GBLT training cadre, and she served on the NEA Resolutions Committee from 1998-2004.

Hayer holds her B.S. in business education from East Carolina University and her associate in retail merchandising from Chowan College.

Candidate Statement

It’s time for a “CHANGE” to come to public education. We are facing some challenging times that will require all of us working cohesively to bring about change. VEA must meet these challenges with experienced leadership on the national level that will advocate for Virginia’s children and public school employees.

I have been an advocate for public education and its employees for the past 19 years in Virginia on all levels of the association. I believe that my experience on NEA Resolutions for six years has helped prepare me for this assignment. Currently serving on ABTEL and my local board of directors, I have had the opportunity to advocate for change. I have the leadership skills, ability and experience to serve you as your voice on legislative issues for public education. It would be an honor and privilege to represent you on the NEA Board of Directors for Virginia.

VEA Why We Teach Video

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Registration and Login Help

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Registration and Log In Help

Why doesn't NEA.org Registration recognize me as an NEA member? Why isn't my User ID or password working?

There are two possibilities. First, if you are a new member, your information may not yet have been entered in the NEA membership database. Second, the fields that you fill out on the registration form must exactly match the information in the NEA membership database, so if something about you has changed (e.g., street address), or if you enter information different from the way it is entered in the database (e.g. using abbreviations in one place and not the other) the system may not recognize you. In either case, please contact our Customer Care department at www-registration@list.nea.org.

Can you tell me my forgotten password?

If you forget your password, go to the "Forgot your password?" area (linked to from the login/registration page). Submit the form with the requested information and we will send you a new, temporary password. Use this new password to log in to the members-only area, then go to the "Change Preferences" link found at the upper right of most NEA.org pages. You can then change your password to one you want using the "Change Preferences" form.

How do I change my password or User ID?

To change your password, you must first log in to the members-only area of NEA.org. Then, click on the "Change Preferences" link found in the upper right corner of most NEA.org pages. You can change your password on this page.

Remember, your User ID is your e-mail address. This can also be changed by following the instructions in the paragraph above. You can change the e-mail address (User ID) in "Change Preferences."

NOTE: Changing your e-mail address in the preferences WILL NOT change your e-mail address for any e-newsletters you've subscribed to. This must be done separately for each newsletter by following the instructions at the bottom of each newsletter.

How do I use the "Remember Me" feature in the Login box?

The "Remember Me" feature saves your User ID in a small file (cookie) on your computer. This allows you to enter the members-only areas of NEA.org by having to enter only your password each time you visit the site. To activate this feature, check the box next to "Remember Me" when you login to NEA.org.

Can I register for NEA.org if I'm not an NEA member?

No, registration is only available to NEA members. It allows them to access members-only areas of NEA.org. However, a large selection of useful information and articles is available to non-members on the NEA.org main page.

VEA Headquarters Staff

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

VEA Headquarters Staff

VEA's main office numbers are (800) 552-9554 toll-free or (804) 648-5801. Switchboard hours are 8:15 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Office of the President/Office of the Executive Director

Kitty Boitnott
VEA President
kboitnott@veanea.org

George Hudgins
Interim Executive Director
ghudgins@veanea.org

Sandra Melvin
Administrative Assistant
smelvin@veanea.org

Patsy Coppins
Office Manager
pcoppins@veanea.org

Office of Human and Financial Resources

Beth McNamee
Business Director and Treasurer
emcnamee@veanea.org

Debbie Fitzkee-Lane
Accountant
dfitzkee@veanea.org

Lisa Craig
Assistant to the Accountant
lcraig@veanea.org

Debbie Axtell
Accounting Assistant
daxtell@veanea.org

Kathy Bowles
Administrative Assistant
kbowles@veanea.org

Beverly Chambliss
Administrative Assistant
bchambliss@veanea.org

Mary Haislip
Receptionist/Accounting Clerk
mhaislip@veanea.org

William Brooks
Building, Grounds, and Production Supervisor
wbrooks@veanea.org

Antoine Whitley
Production Clerk
awhitley@veanea.org

Office of Government Relations and Research

Rob Jones
Director
rjones@veanea.org

Doris Boitnott
Assistant Director
dboitnott@veanea.org

Carol Donohue
Assistant Director
cdonohue@veanea.org

Ann Evans
Administrative Assistant
aevans@veanea.org

Linda Shotwell
Research Assistant
lshotwell@veanea.org

Office of Communications, Marketing and Technology

Bill Johnson
Director
wjohnson@veanea.org

Tom Allen
Assistant Director
Editor, Virginia Journal of Education
tallen@veanea.org

John O'Neil
Assistant Director
Editor, VEA News
joneil@veanea.org

Lisa Sale
Graphic Designer
lsale@veanea.org

Elisabeth Beyer
Assistant Director for Technology
lbeyer@veanea.org

Mike Hurlburt
Information System Specialist
mhurlburt@veanea.org

Yolanda Morris
Administrative Assistant
ymorris@veanea.org

Jo Redford
Administrative Assistant
jredford@veanea.org

Office of Teaching and Learning

Betty Lambdin
Director
blambdin@veanea.org

Tami Sober
Assistant Director
tsober@veanea.org

Rebekah Saxon
Assistant Director
bsaxon@veanea.org

Donna Hamilton
Research Assistant
dhamilton@veanea.org

Renee Hancock
Administrative Assistant/Research Assistant
rhancock@veanea.org

Office of Field Support and Staff Development

Beblon Parks
Director
bparks@veanea.org

Chastity Howard Urquhart
Administrative Assistant
choward@veanea.org

Office of Legal Counsel

Dena Rosenkrantz
Senior Staff Attorney
drosenkrantz@veanea.org

Milton Brown
Associate Staff Attorney
mbrown@veanea.org

Ann Robinson
Administrative Assistant
arobinson@veanea.org

Office of Field Support and Member Organizing

JoAnn Karsh
Director of Field Services
jkarsh@veanea.org

Sonia Lee
Administrative Assistant
slee@veanea.org

Linda Forbes
Membership Records Supervisor
lforbes@veanea.org

VEA Local Associations

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Local Associations

Below you'll find a list of VEA Local Associations plus some special sites that we serve. Click on your local group for leadership and contact information, including a link to the Local Association web site (where applicable).

How to Contact VEA

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

How to Contact VEA

We want to hear from you!

VEA Headquarters
116 South 3rd Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Tel: 804-648-5801 or 800-552-9554
Fax: 804-775-8379
E-mail: Jo Redford at jredford@veanea.org
Hours: Monday-Friday from 8:15 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Check the drop-down menu at left for information on VEA leadership, headquarters staff, local Associations, and UniServ offices.

Frequently Asked Questions About VEA

Thu, 15 May 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Frequently Asked Questions about VEA

Who can join VEA?
Chances are, you can!

VEA stands up for public education, Virginia’s students, and for education employees, and we welcome those who work in and for public schools. Our primary categories of membership are:

Active professional, such as classroom teachers or counselors;
Active education support professional, such as bus driver, paraprofessional, or cafeteria worker;
Student, meaning those enrolled in or preparing for a teacher education program;
Retired educators at least 45 years of age or eligible for a pension for a public education position. (Active members also may join as “Pre-Retired” members.)

We offer a number of flexible options and alternatives, including membership options for those engaged in part-time public education duties, higher education or public education administrative positions, or substitute teaching.

Association membership is “unified.” When you join, you automatically become a member at three levels: your local Association, the VEA, and the National Education Association. Dues vary by category. For details, contact your local UniServ office or VEA or join online through NEA and pay by credit card.

Why should I join VEA?

With more than 60,000 educator members across the state, the VEA is Virginia’s premier education organization and the commonwealth’s strongest advocate for quality public education for all children. Membership guarantees you a range of benefits:

Professional development. VEA offers training programs in a variety of subjects, including classroom management, national board certification, No Child Left Behind legislation, special education, teacher licensure, conflict resolution, and time management.
Advocacy. Many key education policy and funding decisions are made in Richmond by the General Assembly, where VEA serves as a strong advocate and watchdog for public education and public education employees. VEA, through its members, is your voice at the table when important decisions are made. In addition, VEA reaches out to the community each year through public relations and advertising activities to promote Association priorities.
Member rights/legal protection. VEA members are automatically covered by a $1 million liability policy while they are performing their duties. In addition, members get discounts on other legal services. VEA helps safeguard member rights through a network of trained professionals, called UniServ directors, in offices around the state. UniServ directors stand ready to assist you if and when issues surrounding your employment and working conditions arise.
Member communications. VEA keeps members informed and in touch through its website, written communications, and frequent meetings around the state where educators can voice their concerns and be kept up-to-date on Association programs and activities. All members receive the Virginia Journal of Education and VEA News, two publications designed to keep them in the know.
Retirement. VEA works year-round to improve benefits for retired educators and to protect the Virginia Retirement System (VRS) from attempts to use retirement funds to balance the state budget.

My address has changed. How can I update it?
Your local Association, the VEA, and the National Education Association share an integrated database to update member records. Just contact your local UniServ office or the VEA to change any of your contact information. Note: After you make the change, you may receive an issue of NEA Today or the VEA News at your old address, because member lists must be sent to the mailing house several weeks before press dates.

I’m having trouble getting in the “Members-Only” section of the web. How can I access that content?
If you're having problems registering, chances are the information in our records database may not match information you're entering. Contact Customer Care at www-registration@list.nea.org for assistance. For a more detailed list of troubleshooting tips and info on changing your password, click here .

How can I contact VEA staff?
The contact information for VEA headquarters is as follows:
Virginia Education Association
116 South 3rd Street
Richmond, VA 23219
Tel: 804-648-5801 or 800-552-9554
Fax: 804-775-8379
Switchboard hours are M-F 8:15 am to 4:30 pm.

Click here for names, responsibilities, and contact information for VEA staff.

How can I submit an article for publication in the Virginia Journal of Education?
The Virginia Journal of Education is published six times per year, and many of the journal’s premier pieces are written by VEA members themselves. The Journal belongs to you!

We’re interested in thought-provoking and practical articles that will inform and educate other Virginia educators. The most attractive manuscripts are based on the author’s own experience and contain fresh insights on an issue or controversy, or helpful tips and strategies on how to improve an educational practice or program.

Submitted manuscripts are selected on a competitive basis. The Editor’s decision is final, and all articles are edited for length, clarity, and style.

We prefer to receive your articles as Word files, and please be sure to include your name, address, job title, and local Association.

To get a sense of the publication’s content and style, click here to view back issues. For more guidance, contact Tom Allen, Editor, Virginia Journal of Education, 116 South 3rd Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Tel: 804-648-5801 or 800-552-9554. Fax: 804-775-8379. E-mail: Tallen@veanea.org.

Why is the VEA involved in politics?
For better—and sometimes for worse—politics affect nearly every facet of public education. From the decision to establish Virginia’s Standards of Learning to the laws that affect a public employee’s retirement benefits, there are few aspects of public education that are not affected by political decisions at some level.

VEA leaders and members advocate for sound laws and policies, from local school board and city council meetings to the General Assembly in Richmond, and on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Their goal: to promote what’s best for students and public education employees in Virginia. At the state level, VEA played the leading role in helping to secure $1.4 billion in additional funding for deserving public schools.

If you’re interested in boosting your participation in determining local regulations and policies, contact your local Association president or UniServ office. To stay abreast of Virginia legislative action, click here.

What does the VEA-PAC do?
The Virginia Education Association Political Action Committee (VEA-PAC) is VEA’s voluntary political action committee. Its mission is to help elect friends of public education. VEA-PAC makes campaign contributions to candidates for the legislature, statewide office, local school boards, and boards of supervisors or city councils. Of the money raised, 40 percent goes to VEA-PAC, 40 percent to local Association PACs, and 20 percent to the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education.

Two important things to know about VEA-PAC:
1. No VEA dues money is used for contributions to candidates for public office. VEA-PAC is funded by voluntary contributions of members, who donate at events or give through monthly deductions from their checking account or credit card.
2. VEA-PAC recommends candidates after putting them through a “party-blind, issue-driven” process. Each candidate is asked to fill out a questionnaire, based on the Association’s legislative goals. Members of the VEA-PAC and local PACs also interview potential candidates. VEA-PAC contributes to Democrats, Republicans, and Independents.

For more information, contact Doris Boitnott, VEA Government Relations, 116 South 3rd Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Tel: 804-648-5801 or 800-552-9554. Fax: 804-775-8379. E-mail: Dboitnott@veanea.org.

How does VEA arrive at its positions on issues?
The VEA is a thoroughly democratic organization, and all positions are worked out by and through members. Each of the VEA’s more than 130 local associations, each with its own officers, are part of a VEA governing district. Each district is entitled to elect members as representatives on VEA’s Board of Directors. VEA policies and positions are discussed by members, officers, and district and state boards of directors, then approved by the annual statewide Delegate Assembly, which is the Association’s official policymaking body.

What is the VEA’s relationship with the National Education Association?
The VEA is a state affiliate of the NEA, whose 3.2 million members make it the largest employee organization in the United States. For more information on the NEA and its programs, visit www.nea.org.

Have a question about a legal issue or situation?
Click here to view a separate file of common legal questions and answers, prepared by a VEA attorney.

Jobs at VEA

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Jobs at VEA

VEA employs approximately 80 individuals who work out of the headquarters in Richmond and regional offices around the state. Most professional positions are UniServ Directors who work directly with members and local Association leaders across the state. For more about UniServ work, go to About UniServ Positions, below.

The VEA headquarters staff includes lobbyists, researchers, organizing and communications specialists, as well as administrative, technical, and accounting support staff. Current vacancies are listed below.

Current Vacancies

No vacancies at this time.

About UniServ Positions

The UniServ program in Virginia is focused on developing the ability of our local Associations to be dynamic organizations that systematically identify and meet members’ needs.

VEA UniServ Directors…
• Coordinate state and national resources
• Provide salary and negotiations consultation
• Develop leadership skills through training workshops
• Provide instructional and professional development services
• Assist in legislative and political activity
• Work to improve human relations
• Work to protect member rights
• Provide consultation and service to local unit members
• Provide contract administration and adjudication
• Process grievances
• Promote membership
• Serve as business managers
• Perform other appropriate duties as assigned

Becoming a UniServ Director in Virginia
UniServ openings are first advertised (and sometimes filled) by qualified internal candidates. When a UniServ position is posted externally, the vacancy is advertised here and through the NEA job listing service. Please pay careful attention to the application deadline. Interviews with qualified candidates will be conducted by a team that may include members of the local UniServ Council, a VEA regional manager, and other UniServ Directors serving the region. The VEA Director of Office and Field Support also provides support.

Salary and benefits
The wages, benefits and working conditions of VEA UniServ Directors are negotiated by the VEA Board of Directors and the Virginia Professional Staff Association, an affiliate of the National Staff Organization. Applicants will be provided with a current copy of the contract.

What We Do

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

What We Do

Through the contributions of 60,000 members working collectively, the Virginia Education Association fulfills these important aims:

VEA advocates for public education, as well as the professional development and fair treatment of educators.
VEA helps members develop their skills, and VEA members help each other become better teachers through mentoring and sharing of ideas and techniques.
VEA helps members save time by providing easy access to information and resources to help them with their profession.
VEA advocates at both the state and school division level for competitive salaries as well as increased school funding, so Virginia can retain and attract good teachers.
VEA works to show the public the important social good that public schools, teachers, and education support professionals deliver.
VEA defends and protects members from unfair regulations, working conditions and professional liabilities.

VEA is the state affiliate of the National Education Association, bringing national resources to its members and carrying their concerns and needs to the national level.

VEA's Proud History

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:00:00 GMT

VEA’s Proud History

On December 29, 1863, the Educational Association of Virginia was founded at a statewide meeting held in the basement of the First Baptist Church in Petersburg. Its mission: “By all suitable means, to promote the educational welfare of Virginia and of the whole country.” Several name changes later, the Virginia State Teachers Association in 1925 formally became the Virginia Education Association. Among the early VEA’s accomplishments: Fostering sound instructional practices, boosting passage of a statewide minimum salary schedule, and supporting a sound retirement system for teachers.

Segregated public schooling persisted in Virginia until well into the 1960s. During that decade, VEA and the Commonwealth’s all-black teacher organization, the Virginia Teachers Association (VTA), began to discuss the possibility of merging the two organizations. Serious consideration of a merger increased after the merger of the nationally affiliated organizations—the National Education Association and the American Teachers Association—in 1966. VEA and VTA officially merged in 1967. The merged VEA has played a key role in advocating for educational equity in Virginia, and three African-Americans have been elected president: Mary Hatwood Futrell (1976-78), Cheri James (1996-2000), and Princess Moss (2005-2008).

In 1973, VEA members voted to unify with the National Education Association, thereby officially bringing together local, state, and the national organization for the betterment of children and public education. Among the victories that followed were successful campaigns to significantly increase the state’s level of public school funding, enhancements to the teacher retirement system, and legal victories preventing a school board from firing a teacher who became pregnant. More recent successes have included the passage of legislation ensuring a grievance procedure for education support professionals and state funding for bonuses to be given to teachers achieving national board certification.

During the 1990s and continuing to the present time, VEA has continued to be a major force for the betterment of public education, advocating for and winning significant state funding increases for schools, boosting instructional support for teachers, and securing adequate health insurance for retired teachers.

Join VEA

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 05:00:00 GMT

Join VEA

The Virginia Education Association draws upon the collective strength of its 60,000-plus members to make public schools a better place to learn and to work.

6 Ways You'll Benefit By Joining Our Professional Community

1. Influence. As the largest organization of professional educators in Virginia, we have the clout to influence salaries, working conditions, and budgets for quality school programs that benefit all students.

2. Collegiality. Teachers understand and support one another. Through the Association, you and your colleagues have the opportunity to discuss and act on the professional issues that matter to you. And our free- or low-cost seminars are a great opportunity to meet and learn from new colleagues!

3. Classroom ideas. You'll benefit from great instructional ideas through your subscription to the Virginia Journal of Education, included in your membership. Add to that your access to the VEA and NEA Web sites, and you have a treasure trove of strategies and tips to sharpen your craft.

4. Grant opportunities. Every year, VEA members earn thousands of dollars in competitive grants from the VEA and the NEA Foundation to support instructional innovation, leadership, and other priorities. If you have a great idea, we can help make it happen.

5. Advocacy and legal protection. It takes only one unfounded accusation to turn your career upside down. If the worst happens, your Association membership is your lifeline. You'll be represented by a skilled, locally-based VEA/NEA UniServ Director and, if necessary, an attorney. And you'll be covered by the Association Educators Employment Liability policy with its $1 million of insurance for claims relating to your education employment activities.

6. Cost-saving member benefits. Through the buying power of the NEA's 3.2 million members, you'll be eligible for a host of great programs from NEA Member Benefits. Check out www.neamb.com for their great rates on insurance, mobile phone plans, home financing, and much more!

Join us today! Here's how:

Contact your Local Association president, building representative, or UniServ office.
Sign up online and pay with a major credit card! (Note: those interested in higher education membership should contact VEA's Donna Hamilton at dhamilton@veanea.org or 804-775-8327.)
Call VEA at 1-800-552-9554.

Site Map

Sat, 25 Aug 2007 04:00:00 GMT

Site Map

VEA News & Advocacy

In the Classroom

Parent Resources

Working Together

Members-only
(access to these areas is restricted to VEA members only)

Privacy Policy

Thu, 10 May 2007 04:00:00 GMT

VEA Privacy Statement

I. Introduction

The Virginia Education Association ("VEA") values the trust and privacy of its members and other supporters. This Privacy Policy sets forth VEA's practices regarding: (1) what personal information we collect about you — both online via the VEA website and VEA Intranet and offline via traditional, hard copy forms; (2) how we use that information; (3) under what circumstances we disclose it; (4) what choices are available to you regarding such information collection; and, (5) what security we use to protect such information. This Privacy Policy also provides some additional information for users of the VEA website and VEA Intranet.

II. Definitions

As used in this Privacy Policy, the following terms have the meanings indicated below:
The term "we" or "us" means VEA.
A. The term "you" means a current or former VEA member or other person who has provided personal information to us in connection with obtaining a VEA product or service (e.g. who subscribes to a VEA-produced electronic newsletter).
B. The term "personal information" means any piece of information that on its own can specifically identify a current or former VEA member or other person who has provided personal information to us in connection with obtaining a VEA product or service. This would include, but is not limited to, full name, postal address, e-mail address, social security number, or financial information.
C. The term "VEA website" means VEA's external website located at: http://www.veanea.org/ and any future websites that we may develop.
D. The term "VEA Intranet" means VEA's internal, private, and secured website for local leaders and staff.
E. The term "VEA-related organizations" means NEA's Member Benefits Corporation, NEA Member Insurance Trust, NEA Foundation, NEA Health Information Network, and any other entity created by VEA or NEA.
F. The term "third party" means a legal entity that is separate and independent from VEA, other state and local affiliates, or any NEA-related organization.
G. The term "cookie" means a small file that is placed on your computer that allows a website to store, and sometimes track, information about how you use that website.
H. The term "discussion forum" means an asynchronous website component that enables users to exchange ideas by posting questions and answers on relevant subjects. Discussion forums are also commonly referred to as "discussion groups," "discussion boards," "message boards," "bulletin boards," and "online forums."

III. Personal Information Collected

We may collect personal information about you from the following sources:
A. Personal Information that you voluntarily provide to us on your membership application and other VEA forms — whether online via the VEA website or VEA Intranet or offline via traditional, hard copy forms (such as your name, postal address, telephone number, e-mail address, social security number, etc.).
B. Other Personal Information that you voluntarily provide to us via the VEA website or VEA Intranet (such as an e-mail address if you subscribe to an VEA produced electronic newsletter or other personal information contained in an e-mail that you send to us via the feedback feature of the VEA website).
C. Personal Information that we receive from our national and local affiliates or other NEA-related organizations (such as your name, postal address, telephone number, e-mail address, social security number, etc.).
D. Personal Information that we receive from third parties (such as insurance claim information in connection with the NEA Educators Employment Liability Program and publicly available voter registration information).

IV. How We Use That Information

The personal information that VEA collects about you helps us and our national, local affiliates and VEA-related organizations to efficiently and effectively represent you and provide you with valuable member benefits.

V. Information Sharing

In order to provide you with efficient and effective representation and member benefits, we routinely share all of the personal information that we collect about you, as described in Section III above, with our national and local affiliates and VEA-related organizations, as well as third parties that perform services on our behalf.

Additionally, we may share any of the personal information that we collect about you, as described in Section III above, with certain third parties that share our interests or as otherwise permitted by law.

VI. Available Choices

Any personal information that you provide to us is voluntary. VEA members may update their personal information at any time. For information on how to contact us, please visit the VEA website at: http://www.veanea.org/about/contact-vea.html. If you subscribe to any VEA produced electronic newsletter, you may cancel your subscription at any time by following the instructions at the bottom of all such newsletters. If you have any problems canceling such a subscription, please contact us.

VII. Information Security

We maintain administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to: (1) insure the security and confidentiality of your personal information; (2) protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to the security or integrity of such information; and (3) protect against unauthorized access to or use of such information. For more information on our information security, contact VEA directly at http://www.veanea.org/about/contact-vea.html to request a copy of the NEA Information Security Program.

VIII. Information Systems

• VEA employs a combination of electronic badges and intelligent keys to secure access to VEA offices.

• VEA restricts access to databases and documents containing personal information to authorized users at VEA and its national and local affiliates, and those users have access only to the personal information relevant to their assignments.

• VEA shall take appropriate steps to ensure that documents containing personal information are securely sent to and from NEA and its local affiliates.

• VEA provides users of the VEA website or VEA Intranet with a secure connection to transmit all personal information, including social security numbers.

• VEA provides users of the Membership System (I&A) at VEA and its national and local affiliates a secure connection for Internet access to that system.

• VEA shall not require users of the VEA website or VEA Intranet to log on using a social security number.

VEA shall not print member social security numbers on any identification cards or badges; nor shall member social security numbers appear on any documents mailed to members.

• VEA shall take appropriate steps to destroy documents containing personal information in a secure way, such as shredding, erasing, or otherwise modifying the personal information in those documents to make it unreadable or undecipherable, in accordance with the VEA Document Retention Policy.

• Oversight of Third Parties: VEA requires that: (1) the VEA Executive Director approves any request to share member personal information, in part or its entirety, contained in the Membership System with a third party; and (2) any approval is subject to VEA Board policy.

IX. Additional Information for Users of the VEA Web Site or VEA Intranet

A. Collection and Use of Non-Personal Information
If you use the VEA website or the VEA Intranet, you provide us with certain non-personal information in addition to any personal information that you may voluntarily provide. For example, if you browse the VEA website or VEA Intranet or download information, our operating system automatically records the following non-personal information:
1. The Internet domain for your Internet service (such as "xcompany.com" or "xcompany.net" if you use a private Internet access account, or "yourcollege.edu" if you connect from a college or university domain);
2. The type of browser that you use (such as "America Online version 7" or "Microsoft Internet Explorer 5");
3. The type of operating system that you use (such as Windows or Macintosh);
4. The date and time that you visit the VEA website or VEA Intranet and the web pages that you view;
5. The address of the previous website that you visited if you linked to us from another website; and
6. The address of the next website that you visit if you link to it from the VEA website or VEA Intranet.
We use the above non-personal information to diagnose technical problems and track user interests so that we can provide content that interests you.

We gather this non-personal information in the aggregate and we share it in the same manner that we share personal information, as described in Section V above.

B. Cookies
We use cookies to track what you are viewing when you visit the VEA website and VEA Intranet, and to enhance your user experience. In order to provide you with customized content and an enhanced user experience, certain cookies used by VEA identify you as an individual. If you are concerned about VEA's use of cookies, check your Internet browser. Most have a setting that will allow you to reject cookies. However, some VEA features and services may not function properly if your cookies are disabled.

Additionally, VEA allows third parties who advertise or provide content on the NEA website or VEA Intranet to use cookies. Third parties' use of cookies is subject to their own privacy policies, and is not governed by this Privacy Policy.

C. Discussion Forums
If you participate in a discussion forum on the NEA website or VEA Intranet, your comments, along with any personal information that you voluntarily disclose, may be collected, used, and shared by anyone with access to that forum. We are not responsible for the personal information that you choose to submit in a discussion forum.

D. Children
The VEA website and VEA Intranet are general websites, and we do not knowingly collect any personal information from children under the age of 13.

E. External Links
This Privacy Policy applies only to the VEA website and VEA Intranet. It does not cover any websites that are linked to or from the VEA website or VEA Intranet for which we are not responsible ("linked-sites"). These linked-sites will have their own policies and practices which may be different from ours. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the policies and practices of the linked-sites especially if you provide personal information to them.

X. Effective Date, Amendments, and Consent to This Privacy Policy

This Privacy Policy is effective April, 2009. We retain the right to amend or otherwise update this Privacy Policy at any time for any reason. By joining VEA or using the VEA website or VEA Intranet, you consent to the collection, use, and sharing of personal information as we have described herein. If we amend or update our Privacy Policy, we will post the changes online at the VEA website and VEA Intranet so that you are always aware of VEA's current practices. You may also contact us at any time to request an up-to-date hard copy version of the Privacy Policy.

XI. Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, you can contact VEA at http://www.veanea.org/about/contact-vea.html.

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Terms of Use (NEA.org)

Thu, 04 Nov 2004 05:00:00 GMT

Terms of Use

Acceptance of Terms

Welcome to VEANEA.org (hereinafter referred to as "our site.") The Virginia Education Association (VEA) provides our site to you as a service subject to the following Terms of Use (TOU). Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all features of our site are subject to the TOU. By using our site, you accept the terms below. If you do not accept any of these terms, you are not authorized to use our site. We reserve the right to modify these terms at any time. Your continued use of our site following the posting of any changes to the TOU constitutes your acceptance of the new terms.

Description of Service

Through our site, VEA strives to provide users -- VEA members and friends of public education -- with access to a rich array of educational resources, including personalized content. We hope you find our sites useful. We reserve the right to modify, suspend, or discontinue our site, or any part of them, at any time, for any reason without prior notice to you. You agree that we shall not be liable for any such modification, suspension, or discontinuance.

Registration Obligations

If you choose to become a registered user of our sites, you agree to provide us with true, accurate, and current registration information and to update your registration information to keep it that way.

Privacy Statement

Your registration information, as well as other personally identifiable information that you provide us about yourself on our sites, is subject to our Privacy Statement. Click here to read our Privacy Statement.

Password Security

Please keep your user ID and password confidential. You agree to accept sole responsibility for all activities that occur using your password.

User Conduct

As a condition of using our sites, you agree not to use our site, among other things, to:

impersonate any person or entity, including but not limited to an official of VEA, or falsely state or otherwise misrepresent your affiliation with a person or entity;
forge headers or otherwise manipulate identifiers in order to disguise the origin of any text, software, music, sound, photographs, graphics, video, or other materials (hereinafter referred to as "Content") transmitted through our sites;
harm minors in any way;
harass, threaten, embarrass or cause distress, unwanted attention, or discomfort to a person or entity;
transmit or otherwise make available any Content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, vulgar, obscene, hateful, or racially, ethnically, or otherwise objectionable, as solely determined by VEA;
transmit or otherwise make available any Content that infringes any patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright, or other proprietary rights of any party;
transmit or otherwise make available any unsolicited advertising, promotional information, bulk e-mail or other solicitation;
transmit or otherwise make available any Content containing any "virus," "worm," "trojan horse," or any other computer code, file, or program designed to interrupt, destroy, or limit the functionality of any computer software or hardware or telecommunications equipment;
interfere with or disrupt our sites or servers or networks connected to our sites, or disobey any requirements or policies of networks connected to our sites; or
intentionally or unintentionally violate any applicable local, state, national or international law.

You further agree that this list is not intended to be complete, but merely illustrative. We reserve the right in our sole and final judgment to determine whether certain conduct violates this User Conduct Section.

User-Submitted Content

By submitting Content to us for inclusion on an electronic mailing list, a message board, or otherwise, you represent and warrant that:

you own all the legal rights to the Content that you submit,
our publication of the Content will not infringe any patent, trademark, trade secret, copyright, or other proprietary right of any party, and
you have complied with the TOU.

You also grant VEA, NEA Member Benefits Corporation, NEA Health Information Network, and NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education:

a nonexclusive, royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable, and fully sublicensable right to use, reproduce, modify, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, and display such Content throughout the world in any medium, and
the right to use the name and contact information that you submit in connection with such Content, if we so choose. You agree that you will not be compensated for any Content you submit to our sites unless expressly contracted in writing to do so.

Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless VEA, NEA Member Benefits Corporation, NEA Health Information Network, and NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education, and each entity’s respective officers, directors, employees, agents, and partners from and against any claim or demand, including attorneys' fees, made by any third party in connection with:

any Content that you transmit or otherwise make available via our sites,
your use of our sites,
your connection to our sites, or
your violation of the TOU.

Termination

You agree that VEA may, in its sole discretion, terminate your use of our site for any reason, including but not limited to a violation of the TOU, without prior notice to you. You also agree that VEA shall not be liable for any termination of access to our sites.

Dealings with Advertisers

To defray the costs associated with providing our sites, VEA may sell advertising space on the service. We do not examine or evaluate the products, services, or offerings of advertisers found on our sites. Accordingly, we do not warrant any products, services, or offerings of, such advertisers. Your correspondence or dealings with such advertisers are solely between you and the advertiser. You agree that VEA shall not be held liable for any loss or damage incurred as a result of any such correspondence or dealings.

Links

The terms in the TOU do not apply to any Web sites that are linked from our sites ("linked-sites"). These linked-sites will have their own policies and practices that may be different from ours. You understand and agree that VEA is not responsible for the operation of any linked-site, and does not endorse nor is responsible for any Content, services, or advertising on linked-sites. You agree that VEA shall not be held liable for any loss or damage incurred as a result of such Content, services, or advertising.

Disclaimer of Warranties

YOU AGREE THAT:

A. YOUR USE OF OUR SITES IS AT YOUR SOLE RISK. THE SERVICE IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS-IS" OR "AS-AVAILABLE" BASIS. VEA EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NONINFRINGEMENT.

B. VEA MAKES NO WARRANTY THAT:

THE CONTENT AVAILABLE VIA OUR SITES IS ACCURATE, RELIABLE, OR CORRECT;
OUR SITES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME OR LOCATION;
THE QUALITY OF ANY PRODUCTS, SERVICES, INFORMATION, OR THE MATERIAL PURCHASED OR OBTAINED BY YOU THROUGH OUR SITES WILL MEET YOUR EXPECTATIONS;
THAT ANY DEFECTS OR ERRORS IN THE SOFTWARE WILL BE CORRECTED; AND
CONTENT AVAILABLE VIA OUR SITES IS FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS.

BECAUSE SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF CERTAIN WARRANTIES, CERTAIN EXCLUSIONS IN THIS SECTION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Limitation of Liability

YOU AGREE THAT VEA, NEA MEMBER BENEFITS CORPORATION, NEA HEALTH INFORMATION NETWORK, AND NEA FOUNDATION FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF EDUCATION, AND EACH ENTITY'S RESPECTIVE OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, AND PARTNERS SHALL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, PUNITIVE, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF, OR INABILITY TO USE, OUR SITES. THIS LIMITATION APPLIES WHETHER VEA HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND WHETHER THE ALLEGED LIABILITY IS BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT, OR ANY OTHER BASIS. BECAUSE SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF CERTAIN DAMAGES, CERTAIN LIMITATIONS IN THIS SECTION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Intellectual Property

Unless otherwise indicated, the Content displayed on our sites is the property of VEA, NEA Member Benefits Corporation, NEA Health Information Network, NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education, third-party providers, or their respective licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark and other laws. Any such Content may be displayed solely for your personal, non-commercial use. You agree not to reproduce, modify, publish, translate, create derivative works from, distribute, display, retransmit, or sell such Content without the prior written permission of the respective owner. VEA.org and the VEA logo are trademarks of VEA. You may not display or use such trademarks in any manner without prior written permission from VEA.

Copyright Agent

VEA respects the intellectual property of others. If you believe that your work or any other work has been used on our sites in a manner that constitutes copyright infringement, please provide our Copyright Agent with the following information:

an electronic or physical signature of the person authorized to act on behalf of the owner of the copyright that has been allegedly infringed;
a description of the copyrighted work claimed to have been infringed;
a description of where the work that you claim is infringing is located on our sites;
your address, telephone number, and e-mail address;
a statement by you that you have a good faith belief that the disputed use is not authorized by the copyright owner, its agent, or the law; and
a statement by you, made under penalty of perjury, that the above information in your notice is accurate and that you are the copyright owner or authorized to act on the copyright owner's behalf.

Our Copyright Agent for notice of claims of copyright infringement can be reached as follows:

Bill Johnson
Copyright Agent
Virginia Education Association
116 South 3rd Street
Richmond, VA 23219

Entire Agreement

The TOU constitutes the entire agreement between you and VEA governing your use of our sites and supersedes any prior agreements, if any, between you and VEA relating to any matter dealt with in the TOU. You may also be subject to additional terms that apply when you deal with advertisers or use links or third-party Content or services.

Who We Are

FAQ on Pensions for VEA Members

FAQ on Pensions for VEA Members

What changes to our retirement benefits are being proposed?

Who would be affected by any of these options? Just new teachers? What about people planning to retire soon?

I'm planning on retiring this year! When would changes take effect?

Why is VEA opposed to employees being responsible for their own investment decisions, as with a 401(k) account?

Who has a voice in the investments that VRS makes?

Is the VEA working with other state employees on this issue?

Do these proposed changes affect only education employees or all state employees?

How will VEA get younger teachers involved in this issue?

How can I stay informed of any developments?

Which legislators do we contact to let our views be known?

Quest for a Healthy Retirement in Virginia

Quest for a Healthy Retirement in Virginia

Supporting Traditional Pension Plans: Eight Talking Points

Supporting Traditional Pension Plans: Eight Talking Points

Summary of the VRS Options Outlined in JLARC Report

Summary of the VRS Options Outlined in JLARC Report

Option R1: Require Employees to Contribute into VRS

Option R2: Reduce the COLA Granted to Future Retirees

Option R3: Increase Minimum Retirement Age for Non-Vested and Newly-Hired Regular VRS Employees to 60

Option R4: Replace Retiree Health Insurance Credit With Integral Part Trust for Newly-Hired and Non-Vested State Employees

Option R5: Create a new Combination Plan

Option R6: Create a New Cash Balance Plan

Option R7: Create a New Defined-Contribution Plan

Time to Retire the 401(k)

Time to Retire the 401(k)

Quotes of Note from the JLARC Report

Quotes of Note

What You Need to Know About VEA-Retired Elections

What You Need to Know About VEA-Retired Elections

NEA '09 Representative Assembly

NEA '09 Representative Assembly

A Welcome to Delegates from VEA President Kitty Boitnott

A Welcome to Delegates from President Kitty Boitnott

Dr. Kitty Boitnott, NBCT President Virginia Education Association

VEA Elections Central

VEA Elections Center

Boitnott Declared Elected to Second Term as President

VEA-Retired Election Results

Campaign Regulations

Online Voting Procedures

Online Voting Procedures

Runoff procedure

Paper Ballot Provisions

Ramon Moore

Ramon Moore

Biography

Candidate Statement

Tommie McCune

Tommie McCune

Biography

Candidate Statement

Charlotte Hayer

Charlotte Hayer

Biography

Candidate Statement

VEA Why We Teach Video

Registration and Login Help

Registration and Log In Help

Why doesn't NEA.org Registration recognize me as an NEA member? Why isn't my User ID or password working?

Can you tell me my forgotten password?

How do I change my password or User ID?

How do I use the "Remember Me" feature in the Login box?

Can I register for NEA.org if I'm not an NEA member?

VEA Headquarters Staff

VEA Headquarters Staff

Office of the President/Office of the Executive Director

Office of Human and Financial Resources

Office of Government Relations and Research

Office of Communications, Marketing and Technology

Office of Teaching and Learning

Office of Field Support and Staff Development

Office of Legal Counsel

Office of Field Support and Member Organizing

VEA Local Associations

Local Associations

How to Contact VEA

How to Contact VEA

Dr. Kitty Boitnott, NBCT
President
Virginia Education Association

Who can join VEA?
Chances are, you can!