Dec-20-Jan-21-Advisor

REPRESENTING

4 CEA ADVISOR DECEMBER 2020 - JANUARY 2021

CEA, TEACHERS HELP GET EDUCATION CHAMPIONS ELECTED M uch was at stake on Election Day 2020, and few Americans understood that as well as our nation’s public school teachers, who have witnessed the effects of everything from racial injustice to education inequity on millions of children, their families, and their communities. Fortunately, educators in Connecticut and across the country worked hard—and well in advance of the last election cycle—to ensure that the issues of greatest importance to our young people, their future, and the future of public education remained at the forefront. Rallying under the #RedForEd banner for school funding, denouncing the confirmation of Betsy DeVos as secretary of education, speaking out for our most vulnerable citizens, and sending teachers not only to the polls but into the halls of Congress, teachers made an important difference. From the State Capitol to the nation’s highest office, teachers score major wins

school reopening, teaching during COVID, and the support they need from their legislative representatives. The candidates we spoke with understood the burden COVID has put on teachers and were responsive to members’ concerns, holding them up as the heroes they are. It means so much when candidates hear directly from teachers who live and work in their districts.” Back-home meetings are ongoing, continuing into the upcoming legislative session and ensure that legislators understand teachers’ issues. “We also had a record number of CEA members running for office this year—more than I’ve seen in at least the last decade,” Melita notes. “It’s a great sign that teachers want to be represented and are willing to do the work.” As a result of teachers’ efforts and new year, as we prepare for the

teachers are at the forefront. I plan to continue to work tirelessly on their behalf and make sure that public school teachers and students have a voice at our State Capitol.” State Senator Julie Kushner, a longtime union advocate who co-chairs the Connecticut General Assembly’s Labor Committee, also credits CEA members with helping her get re-elected. “When teachers organize, our students win,” Kushner says. “I can’t believe the incredible support I received in my re- election to the State Senate from the teachers in our district. From the pre-COVID launch party at my house to making phone calls, talking to your colleagues, and dropping literature at the doors of co- workers and neighbors, you made a real difference in this election. Fully funding our schools has been part of my platform since I first sought to be a senator. CEA members have helped me understand the

ALL POLITICS IS LOCAL

Though much of the focus this year was on the presidential election, the outcomes of down-ballot races— from local elected school boards to state representatives—cannot be overemphasized. The impact on our daily lives includes everything from education spending to pandemic protocols in communities and schools. CEA worked diligently to put together a report card for every legislator and a district-by-district comparison of every candidate running for state office as well as an honor roll recognizing high-scoring candidates who supported CEA priorities on key education issues ranging from classroom safety to minority teacher recruitment. Honor roll designees are incumbent state senators and representatives who advocate strongly for education- critical bills and show leadership in bringing those bills up for a vote. Also on the honor roll are candidates who have shown strong support for teachers and public education. Not only did CEA publish its report card and honor roll and distribute them to every member, but its Communications, UniServ, and Government Relations staff also enlisted the help of members in getting out the vote. Record turnout “We saw unprecedented interest in the process, from the top of the ticket on down,” says CEA Political

Engagement Coordinator Gus Melita, who helped members pivot quickly to learn new digital organizing platforms and ramp up their phonebanking skills for safe, effective voter outreach. “Teachers were so motivated to take action and get involved,” says Hamden teacher Kathleen Kiely, a member of CEA’s Political Action Committee. “We normally work with members who are politically active, but we were also seeing fresh faces this year. Newcomers to CEA’s political process were excited and wanted to be part of the change. They took pride in their involvement and took some of that on their own shoulders and ran with it. They took hours out of their already hugely busy days making phone calls and doing other outreach. They turned out. That speaks to how motivated they were to play a role.” Indeed, CEA members volunteered in a major phonebanking effort, making thousands of calls and sending thousands of texts to teachers in targeted legislative districts where member density and involvement could tip the scales. As a result of their efforts, several key races were won by the candidates CEA supported. “Our members talked about issues facing teachers and public education,” says Berlin teacher and CEA PAC member Kelly Dumas. “They shared their concerns about

From top: Sen. Mary Daugherty Abrams, Rep. Bobby Gibson, Rep. Joshua Hall, and Rep. Ron Napoli, Jr.

advocacy, nearly three-quarters of CEA’s honor roll candidates were elected or re-elected to the Connecticut General Assembly. Teachers represent Among the Connecticut teachers who won their races were Senator and Deputy President Pro Tempore Mary Daugherty Abrams, who taught special education for 25 years, along with Representatives Bobby Gibson, Joshua Hall, and Ron Napoli, Jr. “I am truly grateful for CEA’s support, working tirelessly to get out my message and the vote,” says Gibson, a middle school science teacher in Bloomfield. “As educators, we expressed what was important to our students and to us as professionals. We came together to support legislation important to our state and ultimately our nation, including Black and Latino studies, minority teacher recruitment, and properly funding our schools. I am looking forward to doing the work our profession demands and helping our nation live up to its promise.” “I would like to thank my brothers and sisters in the CEA and Waterbury Teachers Association who volunteered countless hours to our campaign,” adds Napoli, a Wilby High School world history teacher. “Teachers recognize that what happens in Hartford has a direct impact on their lives and professional practice. It is very important to me that the interests of public school

issues so that I can be a better advocate for our schools and our communities. In this time of COVID, I want to particularly thank teachers for their service and dedication to their students. Teachers have worked harder and taken more risks than many, and we owe them a great debt of gratitude.” Kushner was a vocal opponent of funding a proposed charter school in Danbury that would drain much- needed funds from the town’s education budget. Writing in the Danbury News-Times , she argued, “Danbury schools would lose state funding for students enrolled in the charter but still have financial responsibility for many of the charter’s operational costs, like buses, school nurses, cafeteria workers. A charter school would intensify our existing problems and would only be available to a small and select number of Danbury’s students. We need solid, stable local and state funding of our public schools, not private donations subject to the whims and restrictions of the donors. A plan to address the challenges faced by Danbury schools must be guided by equity, responsibility, and transparency.” “Electing pro-education legislators is key to advancing public education,” says CEA President Jeff Leake, “and helping teachers and students get what they need.”

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Senator Julie Kushner (foreground) with supporters.