New Member Connections

Q: I am a newly hired full time teacher. If my spouse has health insurance, am I automatically disqualified from having insurance provided by MW? Can I get a buy out?

A: The answer to the question is: no and it depends. For the first part of the question, the District may deem you ineligible for coverage only if you were hired after 1983 AND your spouse has “comparable coverage." The District is responsible, at the time of hire, of conducting a comparability review so that the contract is followed. If you believe, for any reason, that the District's determination was in error, then please speak with your Head Building Rep and the MWTA President as soon as possible. For the second part of the question, if, after review, you are deemed eligible for health insurance, then you are entitled to a buy out. However, if you are deemed ineligible for health insurance then you are not eligible for a buy out. Please see the contract for more details.

Q: I have a Facebook account and my students have asked if they can send me a friend request. Are there any guidelines about having students as friends on this or any other social networking site?

A: While there are no specific guidelines in the contract, it would be advised that members not initiate or accept friend requests from any student that is currently in school (K-12). What may be perceived as an innocent connection between an elementary, middle, or high school teacher and his/her student(s) can become a potential hazard to his/her career. These well intentioned connections can be interpreted improperly by colleagues, parents, administrators, or even the students themselves. It is a slippery slope that can be avoided.

It is a good idea to self-police your social networking site so that it is as innocuous as possible. With the advent of new 21st century technologies, it is easy for lines of propriety between the student and teacher to be blurred. It is a professional line that is crossed at the peril of the professional.