April-2020-Advisor_2

INFORMING

APRIL 2020 CEA ADVISOR 3

CEA and Coronavirus: Advocating for Your Safety, Your Rights, and Flexibility in a Changing Education Landscape

Less than two months ago, it would have seemed inconceivable. Schools closed, tests canceled, teachers and students scrambling to master distance-learning platforms. Parents forced out of their jobs or juggling childcare and work from home. Major milestones missed—including senior proms, spring concerts and musicals, graduations, and state tournaments. In the midst of a global pandemic that is escalating, those are today’s realities. And teachers have stepped up to comfort their students as well as recreate, to the extent possible, the learning communities that are their classrooms. From the beginning, CEA has been with Connecticut teachers every step of the way, and its leadership continues to stay ahead of the curve and ensure that educators’ and students’ needs are understood and their rights protected. “Many of us have never witnessed such widespread disruptions in our lives,” says CEA President Jeff Leake. “I can state unequivocally that the priority of our members and our union is the safety of students, our colleagues, and our communities and ensuring that students continue learning in the midst of this public health crisis.” CEA is in constant contact with teachers, keeping them updated on protocols regarding online learning and continuity of education, while taking every precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19. That includes following guidelines from the state and Centers for Disease Control, including practicing social distancing. Stay home, stay safe CEA strongly supported Governor Ned Lamont’s decision to declare a state of emergency in Connecticut and his initial order to close all schools. The Association also strongly agrees with the governor’s decision to keep schools closed until April 20 and, as he indicated recently, possibly through the end of the school year. Thanks in large part to CEA’s strong communication and advocacy efforts, including outreach to media, government, and legislative and regulatory officials, several key decisions have been made over the past several weeks that are helping safeguard public health, protect public education, and ensure smooth transitions for teachers in a time of great change and uncertainty. School closures CEA advocated for the temporary closure of schools in the interest of student and teacher safety. The Association also asked for a waiver of the 180-day requirement for schools at a time when fulfilling that obligation could prove extremely difficult. On Governor Lamont’s orders, public schools were initially closed through the end of March, extended at least through April 20, and possibly Connecticut schools has raised questions about everything from teacher certification to evaluation. Get answers about coronavirus and its impact on you and your students. 6 • INNOVATING Educators and students are adapting to new ways of teaching and learning—outside the classroom. Read tips, insights, and more from your colleagues navigating this new landscape. 7 • PROTECTING Coronavirus isn’t the only threat to the health and safety of our school communities. With CEA’s help, teachers across the state are exposing myriad health risks in school buildings, ranging from mold to extreme temperatures. Read how they are working to effect sweeping change. IN THIS ISSUE 3-5 • INFORMING The global health crisis that has closed

until the fall. The 180-day requirement was waived. “Our priority is the safety of our students, our teachers, and our communities,” said CEA Executive Director Donald Williams, interviewed on WFSB Channel 3. Praising Connecticut teachers, who have quickly mobilized to provide their students with continuity of learning, Williams stressed that patience and perseverance will be key to a successful transition. Distance learning “While nothing takes the place of daily in-person instruction and guidance that a highly trained teacher provides,” Williams says, “Connecticut’s educators are moving from face-to-face interaction with students to making online connections and are putting in the extra effort to master online resources and programs to ensure they have the best materials for their students.”  “Teachers across the state are already improvising through teleconferencing, Zoom, and other technology,” Governor Lamont said in a March 24 press conference. Calling Connecticut’s teachers heroes, Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona added, “Our educators haven’t skipped a beat and are supporting students not only academically but socially and emotionally.” Speaking about efforts to deliver educational equity and access in Connecticut, especially during the current public health crisis, he said, “It still takes a village to raise a child. We’re going to tackle this—access to education—together.” Standardized testing suspended “We don’t feel that if students are out for an extended period of time, bringing them back to school and sitting them down to take assessments is the best way to use their time,” said Commissioner Cardona, emphasizing the need for flexibility and reprioritization. “We are committed to supporting our students, teachers, leaders, and families and ensuring they feel a sense of normalcy and stability if and when they return to the school building this year,” he added. In a move applauded by CEA, the State of Connecticut obtained a waiver from federal standardized assessment requirements from the U.S. Department of Education, easing the burden on students and teachers during this difficult time. Lines of communication open CEA staff, leaders, and legal counsel are in close communication with members, local association presidents, the State Department of Education, and the governor. The Association has organized calls, webinars, and virtual town-hall-style meetings with local presidents and other teachers in order to share knowledge as well as bring teachers’ concerns to our governor and agency officials. Through weekly calls with Dr. Cardona, CEA 8-9 • ADVOCATING CEA teachers, leaders, and staff are working to strengthen social-emotional learning as a component of professional development and education. Read what the teaching profession hopes to accomplish and how. 10-11 • COMMUNICATING Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona listened to CEA members’ stories of classrooms in crisis. Read what teachers said and how the commissioner pledged to address the lack of supports for students in trauma and the rise in classroom disruptions and evacuations. 12 • HEALING CEA explores the secondary stress teachers take on when their students are in crisis, as well as ways of caring for yourself as you care for others. 13 • R EPRESENTING Meet the candidates looking to represent you in the positions of NEA Director, Interim and Alternate Director, and Ethnic Minority Director At-Large.

continues to ensure that teachers’ rights and the best interests of their students are protected. “We continue working together with Commissioner Cardona on the extraordinary education-related difficulties that have arisen due to the pandemic,” says Leake. CEA leaders are also constantly on the airwaves, talking to radio and television audiences about the challenges teachers and students are facing and the best way forward.

Your union is communicating daily with you, its members—via email, blog posts, and a dedicated online resource center for coronavirus guidance and concerns—to help you stay abreast of evolving responsibilities and expectations. See cea.org/2020-coronavirus . CEA has also set up an email address, info@cea.org , where you can ask questions or share concerns. Your input is a vital part of CEA’s current initiative, Navigating Coronavirus: Stronger Together, which provides a space for teachers to share questions and advice. In addition, CEA has begun developing online training to address best practices for virtual communication between teachers and with parents, students, and community members. “We know that teachers are accustomed to connecting with each other and collaborating to provide the best opportunities for their students,” says Leake. “Creating ways for those collaborations to continue is important for us and our members. Our teachers are on the front lines, and we are proud of our educators, who in the face of uncertainty are stepping up to ensure that the coronavirus pandemic has the smallest possible impact on children’s education and well-being.” CEA President Jeff Leake communicates virtually with members and government officials on changing educational developments and needs. 14-15 • DIVERSIFYING From establishing future educator clubs to testifying on minority teacher recruitment legislation, CEA members are striving to ensure that their profession reflects their student population. 17 • CEA-RETIRED Every teacher could use a second set of eyes, hands, and ears, and every school can benefit from the wisdom of experienced educators. Retired teachers continue to be that resource. 19 • CELEBRATING The big blue bus was back for another Read Across America run this year, delivering books, smiles, and the joys of reading to children in seven Connecticut schools.