About the Adjuncts Building Community (ABC) Conference
November 15, 2024 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Highline Community College- Building B
2400 S. 240th St.
Des Moines, WA 98198
This Conference is hosted by AFT Washington, AFL-CIO and co-sponsored by the Washington Education Association (WEA).
Attendees will choose from several professional development and retirement workshops, and learn about adjunct organizing across the state for better pay and job security.
Conference Schedule
10:00 AM - Registration
10:30 AM - Welcome & History of Adjunct Organizing in WA
- Kate Modic, HCEA Secretary, Adjunct Instructor of ESOL at Highline College
- Jacqui Cain, Adjunct Faculty at Pierce College, Vice President for Contingent Faculty at AFT Washington
- Karen Strickland, President, AFT Washington
11:00 AM - Concurrent Sessions
- Keeping Up With AI: A Practical and Proactive Approach
Ronald Lethcoe, Curriculum & Instructional Design Specialist, Contingent Faculty at Clover Park Technical College
Faculty will leave this 60-minute session with a clear process for setting expectations around AI, fostering an environment of academic integrity, and knowing how to respond if they suspect misuse. They will gain practical skills in modifying assignments to be more engaging and accessible, thereby enhancing student motivation and reducing academic dishonesty.
- Our Students Are Workers Too: Labor and Politics in the Classroom
Kristyn Joy, Contingent Faculty, HCEA Adjunct Representative at Highline College
Ty Saxon, Faculty at Bellevue College
Join us - an ESOL adult educator and an economics professor- in a conversation about teaching workers’ rights and labor organizing skills in the classroom. Brainstorm ways we can mobilize students to support faculty unions and reciprocate by supporting student organizing. You will leave the workshop with a few concrete activities to adapt in your teaching.
12:15 PM - Lunch (free to registrants)
1:00 PM - Concurrent Sessions
- Looking Ahead: Your Benefits After Retirement from the SBCTC System
Gretchen Bird, Benefits & Leave Administrator at Bellevue College
Faculty will learn about the eligibility rules and process of retiring under the terms of their higher ed retirement plan, options for PEBB retiree health insurance plans, applying for Medicare, post-retirement sick leave cash-outs, other benefits available to retirees, and options for returning to work after retirement. This presentation will allow faculty to plan ahead for retirement and see how many resources are available to State of WA public employees! (note: 90 min session)
- Changing Student Expectations and Needs
Rachael Guenthner, Entry Advisor, AFT-SPS 6550 President at South Seattle College
Faculty will learn about the changing landscape of student services and support. This will include overviews of positions of support for students and faculty, new services available, and practical ways to refer students to the services that help them be successful in the classroom.
2:30 PM - Cookie Social & Tabling Session