<html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word" xmlns:m="http://schemas.microsoft.com/office/2004/12/omml" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"><head><META HTTP-EQUIV="Content-Type" CONTENT="text/html; charset=us-ascii"><meta name=Generator content="Microsoft Word 15 (filtered medium)"><style></style></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1>Dear NSTA Colleague<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>Welcome<o:p></o:p>The school year is well underway and I hope that it will bring you the satisfactions both financial and personal that move us to do what we do- substitute in the classrooms of our community. I have refrained from sending a “New Year” communication to this point because I believed you were busy and all of us have been preoccupied in “catching up’ after a summer with many choices of activity but the absence of the earnings of the regular school year.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>Looking Forward<o:p></o:p>One thing that will be different this year is the availability of health care insurance. This is the most sought after benefit by substitutes, and the one NSTA has been unable to supply. Whether we, personally, approve of the law or not it is likely the only affordable answer I will be able to give to the question so many members ask me, “Can I get ‘Hospitalization’ if I join NSTA?”. <o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>NSTA members like other Americans who are seeking health insurance can now sign up for insurance on line. For some there will even be financial help from the government<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>Information at July Conference<o:p></o:p>While things are very much in flux in October, with enrollment barely underway, more precise and practical answers will be sent to members as time goes on.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>By July when we meet in Birmingham for our eighth annual NSTA summer conference we plan to have a presentation with clear answers to the questions you still have then and the questions on issues that will arise by summer when policies will have been effect for half a year. <o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>NSTA will put out information, to members as it becomes available to us between now and July.<o:p></o:p> Summer Conference<o:p></o:p>I admit It is a bit early to start making travel plans for July, but our members in Birmingham are already preparing for your arrival. July 19-20 is the date with “early bird activities” on Friday the 18th. In addition to the already mentioned information on the Affordable Care Act (Obama care), and the perennially popular sessions on class management look for presentations on technology and be ready for a Fabulous Saturday evening social activity. <o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>Perhaps a ‘Bama Bash’, whatever that is. Kervin won’t tell me ‘cause’, I’m a Yankee and wouldn’t understand anyway!<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>Come and let our hosts the Birmingham Professional Substitute Teachers Association show you just how warm the Alabama brand of “Southern Hospitality really is.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>We are currently thinking about an outreach to substitutes from the Greater Southeast and invitations to everyone from everywhere.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>“Our Man in Birmingham” Kervin Fonderin and the host committee are already busy with plans for the biggest and best conference ever.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>Dues<o:p></o:p>Last but not least, surely not “least” to our wonderful Treasurer, Linda, the matter of dues.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>First, I want to dispel the rumor from some folks who think she wears a green eye shade and keeps two fine point pens, red and black, in a pocket protector.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>NO WAY! Linda is the consummate 21st century Treasurer. She is very computerized, efficient and tough with me if I don’t keep the records straight or do anything else she disapproves of! (Thanks Linda) <o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>In fact Linda asked about a Frisbee tournament only using green eye shades to throw. Winner gets- - - - all the green eye shades! (~:<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>Ah, but I digress, (Linda will be on me).<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>My friends some of you have not sent in your renewal dues. It is still only $20 for the whole school year, and dues are what keep us running so smoothly. (O.K. keeps us moving even if we are a bit rough once in a while.)<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>Please send your dues to Linda at:<o:p></o:p>Ms. Linda Carter, Treasurer<o:p></o:p>National Substitute teachers Alliance<o:p></o:p>704 Homer Ave North<o:p></o:p>Leigh Acres, FL. 33971<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>Thank you my friends and I look forward to meeting at least 100 of you- “Way down South In Dixie” this July.<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p>JIM POLITIS, President<o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p><o:p> </o:p><o:p> </o:p>Ms Linda Carter<o:p></o:p>NSTA Treasurer<o:p></o:p>239 368 6846 Home<o:p></o:p>239 826 8696 Cell<o:p></o:p>704 Homer Ave North<o:p></o:p>Lehigh Acres, FL 33971 <o:p></o:p><a href="mailto:linda.carter@nstasubs.org">linda.carter@nstasubs.org</a><o:p></o:p><a href="mailto:mslindacarter@comcast.net">mslindacarter@comcast.net</a><o:p></o:p><a href="http://www.nstasbus.org/">NSTASubs.org</a><o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p><a href="http://www.nstasubs.org/"><img border=0 width=140 height=83 id="Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:image001.png@01CEC83C.0E173D00" alt="Description: Description: NSTA logo"></a><o:p></o:p><o:p> </o:p></div></body></html>