April 2021 Advisor

APRIL 2021 CEA ADVISOR 3

News Briefs

IN THIS ISSUE

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LEADING The push for equity in education

CEA Seeks Teacher Applicant for State Advisory Council Two vacancies exist on the Connecticut Advisory Council for Teacher Professional Standards (CACTPS). One vacancy is for a three-year position, which will begin on October 1, 2021, and expire September 30, 2024. The second vacancy is for a one-year interim position, which will begin on October 1, 2021, and expire on September 30, 2022. These positions are open to elementary school teachers. Members interested in serving may request an application from CEA Vice President Tom Nicholas ( tomn@cea.org ). The deadline to submit an application is June 30, 2021. Once all applications have been verified, finalists will be invited to participate in interviews conducted by a committee of state and local CEA leaders. CACTPS was created by the General Assembly in 1990 to advance the teaching profession by advising state officials on a variety of teacher issues. It meets approximately five times a year in Hartford. CEA reimburses local districts for substitute expenses so that appointed teachers may attend these meetings. Charlene Russell-Tucker Named Acting Commissioner of Education Governor Lamont named Charlene Russell- Tucker Connecticut’s acting commissioner of education, after Miguel Cardona was sworn in as U.S. Secretary of Education. “I am humbled

didn’t begin—and won’t end—with the pandemic. Much work remains, and CEA and its members are up to the task. BUDGETING Billions in federal funding could help Connecticut schools recover from a devastating pandemic. CEA leaders and staff are calling on lawmakers to ensure that those dollars are used to supplement state education funding—not replace it. FUNDING “Fund Our Schools” was the message teachers, parents, students, legislators, and community members broadcast loud and clear at a speak-out event organized by CEA and the Recovery for All coalition. The coalition’s work continues, and you can be a part of ensuring a budget that works for everyone. With the legislative session in high gear, CEA is closely tracking bills that could impact public education. See which measures deliver for your students and your profession and which ones your union and colleagues are working to defeat. With most teachers in the state fully vaccinated or on the way, school communities are one step closer to being the safe, healthy environments our students deserve. But now is not the time to let our guard down, and teachers’ unions are weighing in on new guidelines from the CDC. movement calling for a moratorium on high-stakes testing during the pandemic. Sign an open letter to the U.S. Department of Education urging an end to this year’s testing. Also learn about paid, high-quality STEM professional development open to teachers at all grade levels. DIVERSIFYING Efforts continue to address the lack of diversity in the teaching profession as well as acknowledge racism as a public health crisis. Read how you can be a part of this important change. VOTING The 173rd CEA Representative Assembly will be held virtually next month. Read about the issues confronting delegates and see who is running for office. CEA-RETIRED Interested in supporting student teachers? Evaluators are needed, and your experience as a certified professional is highly valued. Also see the schedule of upcoming CEA-Retired County Meetings and the annual Spring Business Meeting. CELEBRATING Read Across Connecticut, the state’s biggest literacy event, took on a different format this year with help from a cast of characters that children simply adored. Don’t worry if you missed it—encore performances are available to all members at cea.org . Connecticut 2021 Teacher of the Year Rochelle Brown receives her first dose of the COVID vaccine at Windsor High School. School-based clinics were a major push CEA made in a statewide campaign this year calling for teacher prioritization in vaccine distribution. RE-EXAMINING Join the growing #CancelTheTests

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and grateful to Governor Lamont and the State Board of Education for placing their confidence in me to serve Connecticut’s students, families, and educators in this role,” Acting Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “I will use this opportunity to continue to advance the work of the agency and

Russell-Tucker has most recently served as a deputy commissioner at the State Department of Education and previously worked as chief operating officer and division chief for the Office of Student Supports and Organizational Effectiveness at the agency. “During these unprecedented times, with continual changes in our schools, it is vitally important to maintain consistency within the State Department of Education,” said CEA President Jeff Leake. “Charlene’s appointment as acting commissioner brings continuity and a clear understanding of the issues at hand, ensuring that Connecticut remains on track to address the ongoing challenges caused by the pandemic and the social emotional needs of our students.” Leake continued, “We have worked with Charlene, first as chief operating officer and division chief and then as deputy commissioner, and we know she has the experience needed to collaborate with all stakeholders to continue the important work of educating our state’s students. She also understands the challenges facing our educators and students and the need to address equity in our schools.”

6-7 ADVOCATING

8-9 VACCINATING

Charlene Russell-Tucker has been named acting commissioner of education.

our educational partners to ensure a seamless transition once a permanent commissioner is named.” Now that an acting commissioner has been named, Governor Lamont and the State Board of Education will work together in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes to identify a permanent education commissioner.

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SAVE THE DATE Member Benefits Virtual Fair | Thursday, May 20, 5-6:30 p.m. Your CEA membership card can save you money on everything from auto insurance to yoga classes. Join your colleagues for a virtual fair where you’ll learn about CEA member discounts on products and services you use every day. Every attendee receives a surprise gift and a chance at one of several raffle prizes awarded that night. Register at cea.org/event/mbfair_may2021 .

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You Have Complimentary Life Insurance But have you named your beneficiary?

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Did you know that every CEA member automatically receives a free life insurance benefit from the National Education Association (NEA)? Did you also know that half of all CEA members have not named a beneficiary for their NEA Complimentary Life Insurance? Teachers are planners, so why not make sure your loved ones are protected? Visit neamb.com/account/complife and designate or update your beneficiaries. It’s quick, simple, and free. You may also wish to explore additional coverage for added peace of mind.

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“After the birth of my first daughter, I realized the benefit of having additional life insurance. However, I was rejected by three insurance companies. I was overweight, and their underwriters basically wrote in their rejection letters that my size made me uninsurable. NEA Term-Life Insurance was the only plan that offered me any coverage. I am grateful to have the extra protection for my family in case the worst was to ever happen.” Kristen K.

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ON THE COVER

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