CEA-Advisor_April-2023-issue_web

APRIL 2023 CEA ADVISOR 3

IN THIS ISSUE

News Briefs

Let’s Get It Done!

ON THE COVER CEA Aspiring Educators are the future of public education. Read their recommendations for growing the profession (pages 10-11.) Shown here at CEA’s Early Career Educator Conference (left to right, starting at the top) are Owen Eccles, Max Grossman, David Kavanaugh, Aidan Karpicz, Antonios Giambanis, Frankie Aguanno, Annie Prorokovic, Jenna Rice, Tessa St. Germain, McKenna Lerch, Katherine Brush, Mackenzie Brink, Nadia Wentzell, Olivia DeLoach, Brandon Scacca, Nicole Pepe, Lauren Cook, Kate Cummings, Abigail Rasmussen, and Marlee Greenlaw. PUBLICIZING Educators take to the airwaves to bring public awareness to the reasons behind the teacher shortage. ORGANIZING With a proposed budget threatening to cut school faculty and staff, East Lyme educators and allies came out in force to change hearts and minds. SUPPORTING At a series of Fix-It Forums, teachers gave much-needed feedback about the state’s problematic special education data software. DISCUSSING Four years ago, DCF leaders met with CEA members for a candid conversation about how the agency’s processes could be improved. In the sequel to that discussion, see what’s changed and what changes are still needed. This year’s legislative session offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to pass comprehensive laws that will enhance the teaching profession. Learn how your voice can turn teachers’ recommendations into reality in the next few weeks. More students would pursue teaching, and more educators would remain in the profession, if it weren’t for any number of roadblocks that make it hard to succeed. CEA’s Early Career Educator Conference brings new, aspiring, and veteran educators together to listen, learn, and lead the way to a brighter future. RECOGNIZING A Connecticut Teacher of the Year is inducted into the 2023 National Teachers Hall of Fame, and local TV celebs give their own teachers a public shoutout for putting them on the path to success. REPRESENTING Hear from candidates running for positions on CEA’s Board of Directors, and see some of the newest faces to join CEA’s staff. CEA-RETIRED Whether serving on the State Teachers’ Retirement Board or participating in a national conference of retired educators, read how CEA-Retired members remain active in ways that improve the profession for all. READING Students in one town were treated to day after day of special events and surprise guests during Read Across America Week. Catch all the action!

#RedForEd Lobby Day Wednesday, April 26

Legislative Office Building, Hartford Salary increases, pandemic pension

enhancement, ending edTPA, bringing back play in the early grades, increasing the kindergarten start age—if we want any of these teacher priorities and others passed, we must all speak out. Share your stories with your senators and representatives. Connecticut lawmakers have until June 7 to pass or reject laws with lasting impacts on your livelihood and your students—and they need a push from you. To get good laws past the finish line,

it’s important that your senators and representatives hear your stories. Join other CEA members and legislators for a day of conversation and action at the Legislative Office Building. Wear your #RedforEd and be part of the next wave that gets good laws on the books. While this event will be taking place all day, you may participate at whatever time works best for you.

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The morning session will kick off at 10 a.m. and focus on CEA-Retired members and issues—though active members are welcome to take part. Lunch will be provided. The afternoon session will focus on issues affecting active teachers. Come to Hartford whenever you’re done with school—we will provide orientation and information on CEA legislative priorities in waves at 3, 4, and 5 p.m. Dinner will be provided. Learn more and register at cea.org/event/lobby-day .

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8–9 ADVOCATING

CEA Remembers Gloria Brown

CEA mourns the loss of longtime member Gloria Brown, who passed away on March 18, 2023. A Wolcott teacher for 37 years, Brown dedicated her life to teaching, with the broader goal of improving education for everyone. In addition to serving on CEA’s Board of Directors, she was a past president of both the Wolcott Education Association and CEA Retired and remained steadfast in her union involvement. Brown was a strong supporter of the NEA Fund for Children and

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Public Education and for many years was a captain of the CEA Political Action Committee, along with her husband, Bob. Together the two teachers energetically rallied members to contribute to the Fund at county meetings, CEA and NEA Representative Assemblies, and CEA-Retired meetings, and they made it fun by holding auctions for donated prizes or offering to wear an opposing baseball team’s jersey if a predetermined amount was donated. Brown was the Board liaison to the Aspiring

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Educators program for years, working with college students on their many activities. She shared their book drive with CEA-Retired members and collected numerous books at CEA-Retired county meetings to be distributed to the schools where Aspiring Educators found the greatest need. Each year at the NEA RA, she connected with the student delegates attending their national meeting, as retired delegates hosted a dinner for the two groups. “CEA will forever be impacted by Gloria’s presence, and we are a stronger organization because of her contributions,” said CEA President Kate Dias. “I will remember her strong convictions, her commitment to all members, especially her beloved aspiring educators, as well as her passion for the profession and deep love of her family.”

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Playful Learning: The Work of Childhood Elementary school educators, join us on Thursday, May 18, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. for a virtual session on the how and why of play-based learning. Wallingford elementary teacher Jamie Hocking and CEA Teacher Development Specialist Dr. Kate Field will offer practical tips for implementing play-based learning and discuss how it fosters the executive function skills necessary for success in school and life.

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