"A Teacher's Trenches"

Beginning in January of this year, an English teacher (Jo Ann Nahirny) from Matanzas High School in Palm Coast, Florida, began writing about her day to day life as a teacher and publishing the articles in an online periodical. She explained that although contractually her day ended at 2:15, the work never stopped. She spent several hours a night at home reading essays, grading exams, answering emails, writing recommendation letters for seniors going on to college, etc. Please understand that Mrs. Nahirny is in no way complaining about her situation, she is simply shedding light on the different aspects of her job that are unrelated to face to face instruction. Recently, Mrs. Nahirny found out that her cancer had returned from six years earlier. She continued teaching, but realized that this is something that she cannot ignore and must take care of immediately. Despite her situation, the Flagler County School Board has hired a long term sub for three months. Mrs. Nahirny, said, "I will not see you until  January 2^nd, Mrs. Beale [the substitute teacher] will be in charge of you starting end of today. You may email me at the same email school address and I will respond to you." Mrs. Nahirny has setup a computer in her classroom as well as one in her room at the American Cancer Society's Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge where she will be staying while undergoing cancer treatment. The Winn-Dixie Hope Lodge is a place where cancer patients can stay for free while being treated. She has instructed the students to email her or Skype her with any questions they may have.

Mrs. Nahirny is not a music teacher, but she is an extremely dedicated, National Board Certified and caring educator that absolutely loves what she does. She is the type of teacher that we need to look toward for encouragement and help. She is the type of teacher that pushes through and does everything for the students despite the problems in education in the country. I do not personally know Mrs. Nahirny, but I am extremely appreciative of what is doing and I pray that she recovers quickly is able to return to teaching.

I encourage you all to read her articles: http://flaglerlive.com/category/commentary/jo-ann-nihirny/

Marshaun Hymon
Treasurer, Florida NAfME Collegiate

Welcome Back!

Hello Florida NAfME Collegiate,

I hope your first few weeks back to school have treated you well! As we transition into some kind of "regular" schedule I want to bring your attention to the big event coming up in just two weeks!!! The Fall Conference!! You can browse our website for more information about the conference. I guarantee you won't want to miss this years conference. We have THREE sessions with the supervisors! Year in and year out the membership has asked for more time with the supervisors and this year we're seeing our requests come to fruition! For only $5, you can spend Friday evening and all day Saturday learning from the best educators and administrators around the country and the state of Florida. We hope to see you Friday and Saturday, October 5th and 6th at the University of Central Florida for our annual Fall Conference!

Questions? Email me! brad.parks21@gmail.com

Take care,
Brad Parks
President, Florida NAfME Collegiate

Tau Beta Sigma March for Music

The Southeast District of TBS is hosting a 12-hour relay for music education on March 9, 2013. The funds raised go towards actively supporting local music programs. NAfME chapters should consider taking a team to the event as these are the ways we further music education. It is through constant support that music programs continue to grow, and this is an excellent opportunity to show your support. More information can be found here. If there are any questions not answered there, feel free to contact me and I will speak with the event coordinators.

Ajori Spencer
Florida NAfME Collegiate Advocacy Chair