This sounds like clickbait, but unfortunately, this is not a drill. This information was shared at the beginning of our two specialist meetings this month and gives some background on how the situation has developed over years. Since then, more disturbing facts and attitudes have come to light which are prompting us to action.

If you were at one of the meetings you've heard this. If not, please read the article so that we can work together to avert the worst outcomes.

Students are returning to classes. Each school, grade level, and sometimes classroom is going about it in their own way.

There are many inconsistencies and contradictions in policies and interpretations of these policies. Though there is contact information for requesting clarification, you may receive different answers depending on who you ask. Many of us in more than one building are seeing a wide array of interpretations on a variety of topics.

As we navigate our ever-changing roles, plans are being made for next year's staffing. The budgeting process is underway, and many of the players are a bit fuzzy on who is responsible for what. Here's the district's explanation of the process:

In communicating with administration, we are concerned that no one considers it their responsibility to make proposals on our behalf.

According to Kristin Bell in the budget office, Christa Erolin will be writing the proposal. Christa added that,

This, coupled with the fact that the district has stated that providing specialist instruction to all students for the remainder of this year is not possible, and that's okay, sets off several alarms.

Visit tacomaspecialists.org for advocacy materials, who to address, and example letters to help organize your thoughts and promote a productive dialog.

Here is the Powerpoint file that guided the discussion.

If you are being asked to work outside of your contract, please contact Shannon Ergun at TEA.

Contact your legislators

As the plan for your building coalesces, let us know how/if your building is allowing for quality, equitable access to specialist instruction and what you need to be able to deliver quality, equitable instruction to your students.

Are you teaching all of the students? Synchronous? Asynchronous? One Class at a Time? All at home? All at School? Half and Half?

twoscreensforteachers.org can help.

Click the picture to see the PBS interview. Congratulations, Matt!

If you'd like to Celebrate a Specialist, send us a picture, video, article, drawing, song, limerick... whatever at

tacomaspecialists@gmail.com.

Submissions will go out in the newsletter and be posted on tacomaspecialists.org on our new page. Infect someone with positivity, or blow your own horn!