GFT
The AFT’s Share My Lesson is continuing to build our collection of resources for parents and educators finding a new normal during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new resource list features free online tools for both educators and parents. From online communication tools, like Zoom, to online classes from Scholastic, Share My Lesson has broken down its recommendations by age group and topic to make it easy to find something for everyone.
The survey for teachers on Standards-Based Grading (SBG) will be available to teachers until Friday, March 6. The intent of the survey is to gauge the level of acceptance amongst teachers to better inform the Guam Education Board and GDOE administrators in planning the progression of SBG. This survey is in collaboration with GFT, administrators, and the teacher leaders who work with SBG. If you haven’t received the survey, please contact your principal or school administrator.
For the GFT 2020 At Large Election, there are two candidates vying for Treasurer: Lisa Mosher and Mary Jean Vigilante. Below are their statements of candidacy.
Lisa Mosher
Hafa Adai! My name is Lisa M. Mosher. I have been employed with GDOE for multiple teaching, grant writing, day school, night school, summer school (social studies/science/exploring technology) and coaching since 12/05/90 at both GWHS/SSHS/GWHS. I came here to Guam on my own/not an off-island hire – after decades of studying the island, its history and cultures. I have been a union member since October 31, 1992. Over the years, I have greatly appreciated the strength that unions and various employees can do together to advocate for and ensure fair and happy workplaces.
I am running for the office of the GFT Treasurer because I would like to take the baton from Mr. James Lujan and carry on continued strength in the office of GFT Treasurer. I have had the pleasure of working with him and getting to know him and his family. I have much respect and admiration for all he’s done working with this organization and hope to continue that legacy.
Mary Jean Vigilante
Greetings and Hafa Adai, I am Mary Jean Vigilante and I am vying for the office of Treasurer. I received my Bachelors in Secondary Education with an emphasis in Mathematics in 1990 from the University of Guam and a Masters’ from the same institution in Instructional Technology in 2007.
Vitae:
1990 to 2011 – George Washington High School: Math Teacher, Math Department Chairperson, and National Honor Society Advisor.
2011 to Present – Oceanview Middle School: Math Teacher, John Hopkins Talent Development Site Coordinator, Curriculum Coordinator, Instructional coach, National Junior Honor Society Advisor, Curriculum Leadership Team member, Teacher Mentor and GFT Site Steward.
With this training, experience, and your vote, I hope to fill the position as your GFT Treasurer. Thank you and Si Yu’us Ma’ase.
Gone are the old laws regarding Workers’ Compensation. On Wednesday, February 12, 2020, Public Law 35-65 and Public Law 35-66 were signed into effect by Acting Governor Joshua Tenorio. The laws, both written by Senator Regine Biscoe Lee, will strengthen and modernize the island’s laws that have remained stagnant for 30 years.
“This needed lifeline is now going to be automatically updated whenever the minimum wage rises — an incremental process that is fair to both employer and employee. These new laws show the transformative good that happens when active stakeholders are met by a legislative will to do what’s right,” Senator Lee said.
With the passage of the laws, employees will finally have fair disability and death benefits, and employers can now count on a more timely adjudication process.
“I want to thank Senator Lee, who has always been an advocate for working families and small businesses, for leading this effort once again,” said Acting Governor Joshua Tenorio. I am also grateful to her colleagues for recognizing that now was the time to act. Those receiving benefits were injured on the job and they shouldn’t be injured twice because our government failed to adjust these rates after more than 30 years.”
GFT President Sanjay Sharma was also instrumental in helping these bills become law as he recommended a higher maximum weekly compensation to further protect employees.