Teacher Weekly: Nov. 1, 2023

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November 1, 2023

"A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything!"

- Unknown

MSCS employees can now purchase discounted tickets to Memphis Grizzlies games! Click HERE to get your tickets and use the code MSCS23.

The November/December Professional Learning Catalog is now available. Explore a diverse range of professional learning opportunities and resources designed to enhance your teaching and leadership skills.

A good way to overcome stress is to help others out of theirs! Join the Stress Management Workshop to learn how to identify, understand, and manage stress! Groups have already started, but it's never too late to join.

The MSCS Equity & Access Office presents Secure The Chalk: Disrupting Teacher Turnover "If You Listen, We Will Stay." on Nov. 7 from 6-7:30pm at Pyro's Pizza at 2035 Union Ave. Click HERE for more information.

November Superhero Employee Nominations are now open through Nov. 15. Click HERE to submit your nominations.

October Superhero Employees

Congratulations to our October Superhero Employees!

Non-Instructional: Brenasia Polk – Educational Assistant – Oakshire Elementary School
Instructional: Helena Ortiz-Loazia – Art Teacher – Getwell Elementary School

Click HERE to read their nominations.

Brenasia Polk

ESL Endorsement Opportunity

Are you a certified classroom teacher interested in getting your ESL endorsement? Select candidates may qualify to receive their ESL endorsement for free!

Applications are due by Nov. 3. Please, click HERE to find out more information.

Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching

The Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) is a distinguished U.S. initiative acknowledging and commending exceptional K-12 mathematics and science educators for their remarkable contributions to the field of education. This prestigious award, presented annually by the President of the United States, honors teachers for their commitment, creativity, and influence on students and the educational realm. Participate by nominating an exceptional math or science educator or applying through the link provided. For inquiries, join one of our upcoming informational sessions or reach out to Dr. Demetria Smith at smithdl@scsk12.org.

Reading 360 Alternative

Beginning Aug. 1, candidates seeking to obtain, renew, or advance a teaching license with at least one qualifying endorsement (listed here) must demonstrate compliance with TLSA requirements when submitting licensure transactions. Educators may elect to demonstrate compliance using one of the below pathways. Both the trainings and the assessment are free to all educators.

Foundational Literacy Skills Training: Complete Course 1 of either the Early Reading Training or Secondary Literacy Training.

Assessment: Pass the Tennessee Early Literacy Assessment (TELA). The Tennessee Early Literacy Assessment (TELA) is now available online.

Grants Available from the Junior League

The Junior League of Memphis is excited to award grants of up to $2,500 for PK-12 teachers in need in the Memphis metro area!

Applications are due by TODAY, Nov. 1.

Visit jlmemphis.org/innovative-teaching-grants for more information and to apply!

Civics Essay Contest

The Secretary of State’s office is conducting its annual K-12 student Essay Contest! Their goal is to encourage students to be actively engaged citizens by recognizing their important roles as citizens in the great state of Tennessee. The theme of this year’s essay contest is “Why Your Civility Matters.” Student winners will receive a TNStars 529 Program College Savings scholarship of $100, $250, or $500 in addition to a trip to the State Capitol. Essays must be submitted by Dec. 15. Click HERE for more info.

MSCS & Shelby County Health Clean Air at Schools

Memphis-Shelby County Schools and the Shelby County Health Department are teaming up to provide student-run science and community involvement projects to Memphis area students. The featured activities allow students to learn how to run a public service campaign and expand their science and math skills. Representatives from the Shelby County Health Department will arrange to visit your school site to share information. Click HERE to learn more.

Fall 2023 Student Perception Survey

The Fall Student Perception Survey window runs from Oct. 30 to Nov. 9.

Educator Level of Effectiveness (LOE) Score Release

Per the TDOE, Educator Level of Overall Effectiveness (LOE) scores for 2022-23 are live in the TNCompass platform.

Information regarding the calculations for 2022-23 teacher evaluations may be found here.

For an educator to receive an LOE score, all required component scores (depending on the evaluation type) must be present in TNCompass. Components include Observation, Achievement, Growth, Professionalism, and/or Student Perception Survey) Note: Educators identified as partial year exemption (PYE) will not receive an LOE score.

For questions regarding missing component scores or other evaluation-related questions, please submit a PLZ HelpDesk ticket so that the EPS can research the issue (link also available in PLZ under "PLZ Help").

MSCS 2024 Open Enrollment

The Annual Open Enrollment and Benefits Fair is TODAY, Nov. 1 from 3-6pm in Coe Auditorium. Speak directly to representatives from Cigna, Bentek, Metlife, Empower, AFLAC, American Fidelity, Colonial & more.

Annual MSCS Open Enrollment for active employees begins Nov. 1 and continues through Wednesday, Nov. 15 (changes will be effective as of 1/1/2024).

Important Reminders during this Open Enrollment period:

If you are an FSA participant, you must elect your coverage levels for 2024:
Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

You will have the opportunity to enroll in new plans and opt-out of any plans you no longer wish to participate in for 2024

Access Bentek (our online enrollment system) at this link www.mybentek.com/mscs to review your demographic information, current MSCS elections and life insurance beneficiary information