Perhaps its the time of year, but I got to thinking about the past year and what has gone on here and around the world, but I guess its really a reflection on the rapid dissemination of information that seems to be taking place; from the Arab Spring to the Arab Fall, the market rise... and fall... and rise... and fall, the PIIG's (Portugal, Ireland, Italy and Greece), the Syrian Conflict, to the Occupy Movements.  It has been an eventful year on the world scene and certainly at a much different level here at Teachers Life.  The common thread that seems to connect and drive all of these changes is the wealth of almost instantaneous reporting and the changing patterns of communication driven by globalization and technology. 

In That Used To Be Us: How America Fell Behind in the World It Invented and How We Can Come Back by Thomas Friedman and Michael Mandelbaum globalization and technology are leveling the playing field.  Friedman and Mandelbaum interviewed Joel Cawley the VP of Strategy for IBM and he suggests that with everyone is becoming so interconnected 'your prosperity will depend on how well you or your company or country can 'analyse and apply' all the data pouring through these networks to optimize your ability to provide better health care, education, e-commerce, innovation, customer service, and government services to everyone on the network.' Cawley goes on to suggest once all the technology is a given "all the old fashioned stuff will start to matter even more." Then "the only advantage you can have is the human stuff."

We agree. Finding efficiencies through investments in technology and strategic partnerships will foster growth and stability during these rapidly changing and uncertain times.  This will allow us to continue to focus on what matters, the 'Human Stuff.'

  -Doug Baker

President & CEO, Teachers Life

Feeling Better Now

Teachers Life has a new fraternal benefit.  FeelingBetterNow is an anonymous, web-based mental health care program designed to assist members with a District LTD Plan and their families in the prevention, early diagnosis and ongoing management of common emotional and mental health issues. 

If you would like to read the online brochure click here.

2012 Scholarship and Bursary Applications

J.F. Allen Scholarship and Bursary applications are available online to members.  Children and grandchildren of members who are graduating from high school in 2012  may apply for both awards but may only be awarded one. 
Submission deadline is March 31st, 2012.

2012 Hall & Hall Education Awards

Hall & Hall Education Awards are available online to members.  Two awards are granted annually to either a child, grandchild or spouse of a member.  One to a student entering their final year of concurrent education, the other award to a student entering Teachers College in 2012. 
Submission deadline is May 31st, 2012.

For award details and to download or print applications please login to Members Online.  (Click on FORMS, applications are found under the Benefits title.) 

CAREpath

Teachers Life has partnered with CAREpath to provide a specialized cancer assistance program to our Members with a District LTD Plan.
Click here to find out more.