April-2020-Advisor_2

2 CEA ADVISOR APRIL 2020

LEADING

Leading: Our Perspective

These are uncertain times. Unprecedented actions are being taken to prevent the greater spread of COVID-19, the coronavirus pandemic, which has caused major disruptions to our lives, our communities, and the world— the likes of which we have never experienced. We are in uncharted territory, with more questions than answers, leaving us all to do our best to mitigate against the effects of the coronavirus. First and foremost, our priority is your safety. We must all focus on the public health emergency and do

issues, lack of access to technology, special education concerns, and so much more. Commissioner Cardona said his department will be flexible, and he urges teachers to do the best they can to provide continuity of education in today’s reality.

Navigating COVID-19:

Despite these very challenging circumstances, we are proud of you, our exemplary educators. While concerned about your own family members, you are also concerned with your students’ health, access to food, and emotional well-being—and you have not stopped working for your

Jeff Leake, CEA President

Stronger Together

everything we can to prevent the spread of this new disease. We thank you for following the guidelines issued by our state and the Centers for Disease Control, including practicing social distancing. We strongly supported Governor Ned Lamont’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Connecticut, to close all schools, and to urge residents to stay home and stay safe. We continue working together hand in glove with State Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona on issues that impact you and providing you with the most up-to-date information possible. Uncertainty makes this crisis scarier than others, and there is a palpable sense of panic, helplessness, and danger. The common belief is that things will get worse before they get better, and we need to be prepared for what could be ahead. As educators, we must focus on what we do best: teaching and leading by example. That means following set guidelines, engaging students, and keeping them learning for the duration of this public health emergency. There are still a host of unanswered questions regarding equity Teaching is stressful under ordinary circumstances, but add a pandemic that closes schools across the nation, and that stress can be overwhelming. Many teachers, with virtually no time and limited professional development, have had to transition from face-to-face instruction to online delivery. In difficult times such as these, it is more important than ever to set aside time to look after yourself. If you are feeling overwhelmed or highly anxious, you should first know you are not alone. Consider forming or joining an online community of educators, many of whom likely understand what you’re going through and can share coping strategies and teaching ideas. Take time each day to walk outside, prepare the garden for spring, or just sit in the sun. Remember to take long, deep breaths. Take at least three full breaths, counting to five with the inhale, holding your breath for five counts, and exhaling for five counts. Each time you exhale, try to picture the tension in your body as a color and imagine it fading slowly away. This will begin to calm your nervous system. When we’re in a state of panic or extreme anxiety, our limbic system takes over our prefrontal cortex, which controls executive functioning and decision-making. When we are in fight-or-flight mode, we are far more likely to act impulsively, make mistakes, and lash out at others. Controlling our breathing, however, gives our prefrontal cortex the time it needs to

students. You are putting in the extra effort and learning the best online resources and programs available to ensure your students are learning. There are myriad challenges related to distance learning, and we know that teachers must be at the table discussing guidelines, best practices, and accessibility for students across the state. We know whatever happens in the coming weeks will impact the future of public education, and teachers’ voices must be a part of that discussion. CEA has been holding virtual meetings with teachers across the state to discuss best practices for online learning, and we have shared our recommendations with the education commissioner.

Tom Nicholas, CEA Vice President

Throughout the coming weeks and months, the situation will continue to change. Know that we are here, working on your behalf to ensure that your safety and rights are protected. We will continue to keep you updated and share guidance with you in the days ahead. Watch for emails from CEA and visit cea.org for the latest information. March 26, 2020 MINDFULNESS DURING STRESSFUL TIMES

Donald E. Williams Jr. CEA Executive Director

CEA GOVERNANCE Jeff Leake • President Tom Nicholas • Vice President

override the limbic system, quiet the panic button, and respond to events, people, and situations calmly and rationally. Another useful method of dealing with fear and restoring a sense of calm is RAIN, an approach first developed 20 years ago by mindfulness instructor Michele McDonald. RAIN is an acronym that stands for: • Recognize how you feel and what you are experiencing • Allow the feeling or experience to exist just as it is without trying to fix it • Investigate the feeling or experience as a scientist might, but with compassion for yourself • Natural awareness that comes from accepting the experience By naming what we are feeling, we send a signal to our prefrontal cortex that it’s time to wake up. We are bypassing the limbic system and calling upon the rational part of our brain to do its job. As a result, you will likely respond to stressful situations or anxious feelings more calmly and with greater compassion for yourself and others. Experience a guided RAIN meditation, along with other free resources to help reduce anxiety and stress, at mindful.org/investigate-anxiety-with-tara- brachs-rain-practice . To schedule mindfulness training online for your district, email myprofession@cea.org .

Stephanie Wanzer • Secretary David Jedidian • Treasurer

John Horrigan • NEA Director Tara Flaherty • NEA Director

CEA ADVISOR STAFF Nancy Andrews • Communications Director Lesia Winiarskyj • Managing Editor Sandra Cassineri • Graphic Designer Laurel Killough • New Media Coordinator Eric Ahrens • Web Designer and Developer April 2020 Volume 62, Number 5 Published by Connecticut Education Association 1-800-842-4316 • 860-525-5641 cea.org CEA Advisor The CEA Advisor is mailed to all CEA members. Annual subscription price is $5.72 (included in membership dues and available only as part of membership). Institutional subscription price: $25.00. Advertising in the CEA Advisor is screened, but the publishing of any advertisement does not imply CEA endorsement of the product, service, or views expressed. CEA Advisor UPS 0129-220 (ISSN 0007-8050) is published in August, October/November, December/ January, February/March, April, May/June, and summer (online) by the Connecticut Education Association, Capitol Place, Suite 500, 21 Oak Street, Hartford, CT 06106-8001, 860-525-5641. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, Connecticut. Postmaster: Send address changes to CEA Advisor , Connecticut Education Association, Capitol Place, Suite 500, 21 Oak Street,

CONNECT WITH CEA

cea.org

facebook.com/ CTEdAssoc

youtube.com/ ceavideo

blogCEA.org

twitter.com/ ceanews

instagram.com/ cea_teachers

flickr.com/ photos/ceapics

Hartford, CT 06106-8001. Production date: 4-1-2020