News and Events

Visit the DSEA Store
All licenses to be electronic from now on!
DSEA Events and deadlines 2011-2012
New list of state-approved 403(b) investment vendors
Specialists: Don't let your license expire
Want Ads

 Check out the DSEA store at Lands End

We now have a place where you can purchase quality merchandise with the DSEA logo embroidered - yes, really embroidered - on it. It's the DSEA Lands End Store.

Blouses, shirts, polo shirts, skirts, sweaters, jackets, hats, bags, totes, chefs' aprons, beach bags, beach towels, business attaches, messenger bags, duffel bags - even coolers and lunch bags.

Ordering is easy. Just use your credit card. There's no need to "register." Click here for Lands End's two-page guide on getting the right fit.

No more paper licenses: Make sure your e-mail adddress on DEEDS is correct!

For all teachers, specialists and paraeducators, it is now more important than ever to make sure that your e-mail address on DEEDS is accurate.

Starting the week of March 23, 2009, the Department of Education (DoE) will begin issuing educator licenses electronically. Previously, the paper licenses were sent through the mail to the educator and a copy provided to their school district or charter school. 
Not only will teachers, specialists and paras receive their licenses or certificatesimmediately, but this change will save the state more than $12,000 annually in paper, postage and handling fees. DoE issues approximately 6,000 paper requests each year. These requests include licenses, certificates, paraeducator permits and evaluation letters.  Educators can know log on and print their own credentials. Credentials can also be verified on the DEEDS website.

So, if you are an educator, please make sure your e-mail address on DEEDS is correct so that you receive all information that is sent through that system including e-mails and professional development updates from the department.  

Here's the current list of state-approved 403(b) investment companies

The state's 403(b) Plan has recently undergone some major changes as a result of federal regulations.
Beginning January 1, 2009, only certain vendors will be approved by the State, and you can only choose from this list for future contributions:

Approved Vendor List (The five companies in bold are endorsed by NEA/DSEA):
The Valic Annuity Life Insurance Company
AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company
Fidelity Investments Corporation
First Investors
Great American Financial Resources, Inc.
The Hartford, through Edward Jones
Horace Mann Life Insurance Company
ING Life Insurance & Annuity Company
Kades-Margolis Corporation
Lincoln Financial Group
Lincoln Investment Planning, Inc.
Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
Security Benefit Corporation

 Attention specialists: Don't let your professional license expire

  Many specialists are licensed by both the Dept. of Education and their professional boards (such as school nurses), but some are not licensed by DoE. They are only licensed by their professional organizations. These include speech language pathologists, audiologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and ROTC instructors.
   DSEA recently learned of several situations in which members employed as these types of specialists mistakenly believed that they did not have to keep their license/certification current with their professional board if their practice is limited to school settings.
This is not the case! You must maintain your license/certificate in these areas in Delaware in order to practice in a public school district.
   DSEA has assisted several members who found themselves in front of their professional licensing board through the process to secure or maintain their license but they still face investigation and possibly criminal charges for the unauthorized practice of their profession.
"Hopefully the investigators will reach the same conclusion as the licensure board that the individuals did not intentionally ignore the licensure requirements" states DSEA General Counsel Jeff Taschner. "The clear lesson that needs to be taken from these situations," he adds, "is that every individual is charged with the responsibility of knowing and complying with the state licensure requirements."

   Please spread the word so that this does not happen again.

Want ads

• NAEP administrators wanted
• SAT Prep Center is looking for Tutors and Teachers
• Back to Basics Learning Dynamics, Inc. is looking for experienced teachers in several areas and interviews year-round.
• Educational Service, Inc. (ESI) of Wilmington is seeking certified teachers for part-time teaching and tutoring assignments.
• Community Solutions, Inc. of Wilmington is looking for a Certified Special Eduation Teacher
• Family Court seeking Child Advocates
• The Masonic Learning Center is looking for educators to certify to tutor students diagnosed with dyslexia.
• The Early Learning Center at the University of Delaware is looking for substitutes
• Environmental Education Volunteer Opportunities available at the Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve
• Help Mentor At-Risk Youth trying to get their GED with FUTUREnet
  Youths between the ages of 16-21 who have either dropped out of school, are low-income, involved in the criminal justice system, homeless, pregnant or parenting and are lacking a high school education are coming to Jewish Family Services of Delaware’s FUTUREnet program.
  They need tutors for math and English, and mentors who will take the time to help them acquire the skills and credentials necessary to secure a path to a better job and higher education. All volunteers go through an orientation and background checks/fingerprinting. 

  We’re need volunteers to come a couple of hours, every week (whatever fits your schedule). Students are here: 
  Mondays 10am-4pm; Tuesdays 10am-6pm; Thursdays 12pm-5pm; Fridays 10am-4pm

  To set up an appointment, contact: Marcy Resnick, Community Organizer, SILVER and Volunteer Network Coordinator, Jewish Family Services of Delaware, 99 Passmore Road, Wilmington, DE 19803
  PH: (302) 478-9411 x129.
  
  

DSEA Events 2011-2012

11/15 – New Castle Identity Theft Workshop – Branch
11/16 – Kent/Sussex Identity Theft Workshop – Dover Office

11/12 - Pre-Retirement Workshop- what you need to know to be ready to retire!
As of Oct. 28 there were still places available for this popular workshop. Please print out and fax in this registration form to Debbie Weaver, ASAP, at 302-764-8499.

2/10-12/12 – Winter Advocacy Retreat (WAR) – Atlantic Sands Hotel, Rehoboth Beach
Registration is closed.

3/3/12 DSEA Newark Office and 3/10/12 at Dover Office
"Can I afford to retire?" preented by financial advisors from Kades-Margoles. Both sessions are 9am-10:am. This event is free to members and their families; $10 for non-members. Drawing for an Amazon Kindle at each event.
Must register to reserve your spot. Contact Tammy Wagner by e-mail or by phone at 1-866-734-5834.

3/8 & 9, 2013 – DSEA Celebration Dinner and Representative Assembly (RA) – Dover Downs

Defensive Driving in March and April. Click here for more information.

3/16 & 17, 2012 – DSEA Celebration Dinner and Representative Assembly (RA) – Dover Downs. Questions? Contact Sandy Dearman by e-mail or by phone at 1-866-734-5834.

March 24, 9-noon, Pre-Retirement Workshop at the DSEA Newark Office. Presented by DSEA-Retired, with experts from Social Security Administration and the Pension Office. Registration is free to members, $5 for non-members. Registration is required because seating is limited. Questions? Contact Debbie Weaver by e-mail or by phone at 1-866-734-5834.

April 24 at DSEA Newark office, and again April 26 at the DSEA Dover office -
Getting Ready - How to achieve financial security in retirment, presented by financial advisors from MetLife. DSEA members and one guest may attend free; $10 for non-members. Light dinner will be provided. 5:30-7:00pm
Must register to reserve your spot. Contact Tammy Wagner by e-mail or by phone at 1-866-734-5834.

May 2 at the DSEA Dover office and again May 3 at the DSEA Newark office -
Mastering Your Money, put on by staff at both DSEA and NEA Member Benefits. Open to DSEA and their families. Pizza and drinks will be provided. 5pm - 6:30pm.
Learn about ways to reduce debt and save money, including information about credit and your credit score; budgeting; and how Member Benefits can save you money.
Must register to reserve your spot. Contact Tammy Wagner by e-mail or by phone at 1-866-734-5834.

April 28 - Second annual Ethnic Minority Leadership Conference - Sheraton Dover Hotel, 8am-3pm

Christopher K. Smith Future Teacher Golf Tournament, June 22, 2012, Maple Dale Country Club. Contact Tammy Wagner by email or toll-free at 1-866-734-5834.
Tournament is full! We can accept no more golfers.

NEA Annual Meeting and Representative Assembly,Washington, D.C., June 30-July 5, 2012Questions? Contact Sandy Dearman by email or toll-free at 1-866-734-5834.