Dec 2021-Jan 2022_Advisor

December 2021 - January 2022 • Volume 64, Number 3 • Published by the Connecticut Education Association • cea.org CEA

HELP WANTED

STAFF SHORTAGES STRESS, BURNOUT STUDENT TRAUMA LACKOF SUPPORT, RESPECT SAFETY CONCERNS PUBLIC ATTACKS

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LEADING

Stronger Together. Better Together. Leading: Our Perspective

It’s that time of year again, when we are both grateful… and exhausted! Let us start with gratitude. With the future of public education on the ballot this most recent election season—

communications crew for taking on this fun, new challenge. Feel free to reach out to them with anything you’d like to share. Speaking of fun, we’re grateful that we were able to enjoy a terrific day at UConn’s homecoming football game with a terrific teacher tailgate sponsored by CEA and California Casualty. (Story on back page.) The weather was

Kate Dias, CEA President

and potentially for years to come—teachers in cities and towns throughout the state ran for office, and many made successful bids for seats on their town councils and boards of education. (See story, page 10.) Every win is a victory for our students and our schools, as teachers have firsthand knowledge of the challenges in classrooms, and their insights are key to shaping sound education policy. We applaud all those who have begun this important work or continued to serve. It was a tough election season, and putting yourself out there is no easy feat. Kudos to all the active and retired teachers who carved out time to

beautiful, the food bountiful and delicious, and the company a joy. And…the Huskies won! We would venture to say that CEA members, including many UConn parents and alums, were the good luck charm the team needed that day. Those moments to relax and refresh outside the classroom are so valuable. Keep your eyes open for more opportunities from CEA. Of course, in spite of all there is to celebrate, we recognize that this is also an exhausting time. The public attacks on educators and our schools regarding

Joslyn DeLancey, CEA Vice President

campaign and engage in new ways with their communities. Every candidate who ran this year is a hero. Fixing the Social Security windfall elimination provision is another big win we are hoping for as U.S. Representative John Larson champions a landmark bill that would provide significant retirement benefits to Connecticut teachers. (See page 11.) As one of 11 states that still penalize teachers in their drawing on Social Security, Connecticut needs this federal assistance, and we are grateful to our congressman and other allies for stepping up to advocate for change.

honest lessons about race and equity have not slowed down— and they are taking a toll. That’s why we are going to keep talking about “What’s Real in Education” with our partners at AFT and CAPSS. (See page 9.) Teachers know what is being taught in schools, as well as how and why, and we are not going to let the uninformed co-opt the conversation or edit history. We are the professionals. Also exhausting—however rewarding—is the work of teaching itself. We hear daily from members who are bone- tired from the demands of the job compounded by staff shortages. We just can’t seem to find room to breathe. CEA is working on this in several ways. First, in the upcoming

Donald E. Williams Jr. CEA Executive Director

A CEA Podcast CHECK OUT CEA’S NEW PODCAST Two T’s in a Pod brings you the stories and conversations of the day when it comes to teaching in Connecticut. Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

CEA ADVISOR STAFF Nancy Andrews • Communications Director Lesia Day • Managing Editor Sandra Cassineri • Graphic Designer Laurel Killough • New Media Coordinator Eric Ahrens • Web Designer and Developer CEA GOVERNANCE Kate Dias • President Joslyn DeLancey • Vice President Stephanie Wanzer • Secretary David Jedidian • Treasurer Tara Flaherty • NEA Director Katy Gale • NEA Director

As always, we are grateful for the exceptional work you do in your classrooms and the quality instruction and support our students receive at your hands every day. Kim King, our 2022 Teacher of the Year, is an excellent representative of the good work going on in Connecticut schools. (See page 5.) Her emphasis on creativity and self-expression is just the right message at just the right time. We hope you all get a chance to cross paths with her. Her focus on the collaborative process of teaching—underscoring that we are all better working together—is demonstrated by so many of you. She is a great representative of our profession, and we look forward to cheering her on as she takes the stage next spring at the Connecticut Teacher of the Year awards ceremony. Our new podcast, Two T’s in a Pod (special thanks to retired Bridgeport teacher Gary Peluchette for the name!) is also something for which we are grateful. (See page 9.) If you haven’t had a chance to listen, catch up with us and our guests at cea.org/ podcast or on any major audio streaming platform, including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, Audible, TuneIn, and iHeartRadio. As our recent interview with Greenwich Education Association President Lil Perone makes clear, this is a space to explore what’s important to all of us, share ideas about what’s happening in our classrooms and beyond, and talk candidly about what needs to change. Special thanks to our amazing

legislative session, CEA will put forth an agenda drafted by its Legislative Commission that is comprehensive and aggressive in looking out for teachers’ needs. (See page 8.)We will be advancing a major legislative package that allows us to pursue meaningful solutions to school-based issues as well as address teacher recruitment and retention concerns. Keep your eyes open for more information. We will need your stories to help push those efforts past the finish line. As always, we are stronger together. We have also started Better Together: Taking Care of Educators, an initiative that gives our members opportunities to reset, recharge, and feel supported. We may not be able to solve all the problems all at once, but while we work on them, we are committed to providing you with the care and relief you deserve. As we head into winter break—the days feel short, and the weather gets dreary—hopefully you find some time to refresh. Perhaps you will binge- watch a new show (we are looking forward to Catherine the Great ), or maybe you like to cook (yes, please!) or just need to nap (literally on the calendar). Whatever you need, it is our genuine hope that you indulge yourself. See you in the new year! December 3, 2021

CEA Advisor

December 2021-January 2022 Volume 64, Number 3 Published by Connecticut Education Association 1-800-842-4316 • 860-525-5641 cea.org

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 USPS 0129-220 (ISSN 0007-8050) is published in August, October/November, December/ January, February/March, April, May/June, and summer 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, Hartford, CT 06106-8001.

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Production date: 12-10-2021

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IN THIS ISSUE

News Briefs

Spotlight on You, Your Colleagues, and Your Local Association

2 LEADING CEA’s leadership takes stock of recent progress for public education, the challenges teachers still face, and how their union continues to fight for what’s right. DIVERSIFYING Learn how a CEA-supported teacher residency program that started at CREC is bringing more educators of color into the profession. CELEBRATING Meet 2022 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Kim King, whose ideas about diversity, inclusion, creativity, and art inform her philosophy of teaching. From Space Camp to the White House, Connecticut Teachers of the Year Rochelle Brown (2021) and Meghan Hatch-Geary (2020) share highlights from the last two years of leading and learning. Educators are stretched and stressed, and the pipeline into the teaching profession is narrowing. See what challenges CEA is addressing head-on and the strategies in place for making lasting, meaningful change for your profession. REPRESENTING CEA members helped effect change by electing teachers to local boards of education and town councils across the state. Read about your colleagues and how they will ensure teachers’ voices are heard. CEA-RETIRED A landmark bill promises to bring significant retirement benefits to millions of teachers, and a longstanding CEA fund helps retired teachers in need. BUDGETING CEA Treasurer David Jedidian gives an update on CEA’s fiscal health. HUMAN & CIVIL RIGHTS Nominate yourself or a colleague for one of nine CEA Human and Civil Rights Awards, honoring educators whose contributions are making a difference in gender or racial equity, multiculturalism, and more. GATHERING Catch the highlights from this year’s CEA Teacher Appreciation Day at the UConn Huskies homecoming game and find out about upcoming opportunities to gather and root for your favorite teams. SAVE THE DATE EARLY CAREER EDUCATORS CONFERENCE Saturday, March 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Heritage Hotel and Conference Center 522 Heritage Rd., Southbury, CT 06488 Come meet other early career educators, as well as veterans in the field. Ask candid questions, learn how to make a difficult job easier, and lay a strong foundation for a long, fulfilling career. Geared toward newer teachers but open to all CEA members, CEA’s Early Career Educators Conference is a half-day, in-person event with opportunities for professional development in a variety of areas. Attendance is free and open to CEA members only, and continental breakfast and lunch will be served. 4 5 6-7 REFLECTING 8-9 ADVOCATING 10 11 14 15 16

Think about the work you’ve done. Consider that colleague who is indispensable to your school or your local union. Visit cea.org/grants-and- awards and nominate yourself, your local association, a fellow teacher, or a member of your community for one of these grants or awards: • ABCD Award (Above and Beyond the Call of Duty) • CEA Clifford Silvers Education Advocacy Award • CEA Newsletter/Website Competition • CEA Salutes Award • Charles B. Kelly Local Media Award • Thomas P. Mondani CEA Friend of Education Award • Norman E. DeLisle Public Relations GrantThe

Over the last two years, teachers have shown tremendous strength, creativity, grit, and compassion in the face of enormous challenges. They have navigated the pandemic classroom, helped one another and their students over countless hurdles, and worked to ensure that Connecticut’s public schools are the safe, well-resourced learning environments every child deserves. In times of uncertainty and change, connection and outreach are more important than ever, and CEA is proud to recognize teaching professionals and community supporters who have made those their priorities. Do you know a teacher who has gone above and beyond? A community member who elevates public education? A union leader who puts in the extra hours to ensure you’re informed and protected? Each year, CEA’s Public Relations Committee proudly recognizes and supports outstanding teaching professionals and advocates, association websites and newsletters, new public relations projects, best media coverage, and more.

The deadline for entries is 5 p.m. on Friday, February 25, 2022.

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS CEA’s John McCormack Award for Teaching Excellence and Association Activism CEA is seeking candidates for the John McCormack Award—teachers who are creative, culturally responsive, dedicated to lifelong learning, active members of their union, and strong advocates for public education. Consider applying, or nominate an outstanding CEA member you know. In addition to a $2,000 prize and an all-expense paid trip to the NEA Foundation’s annual Salute to Excellence in Education gala, in Washington, D.C., the winner automatically becomes CEA’s nominee for NEA’s Horace Mann Award—with a grand prize of $10,000. Nominations must be received no later than January 17, 2022. Visit cea.org/grants-and-awards/ or email katef@cea.org for an official nomination form.

2022 Dates, Fresh Format Announced for County Forums Mark your calendars! CEA and your county directors have re-envisioned how you can connect with colleagues as well as engage in the important business of CEA. The following county forums will be structured as networking/presentation events to allow more time for learning and socializing. As planned, they will be in-person gatherings, subject to change, should COVID cases increase.

Fairfield: January 10, March 28 Litchfield: January 11, March 21 Windham: January 12, March 16 New London and Middlesex: January 19, March 14 Tolland: January 24, March 22

Additionally, new business forums, held virtually from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., will address business items such as elections, budget, and constitution/bylaws changes. Although the counties indicated will host the sessions listed below, all members may attend any of these business forums.

New Haven: January 25, March 15 Hartford: January 28, March 29

February 8: Fairfield, Middlesex February 23: Hartford, Windham April 5: Litchfield, New Haven April 25: New London, Tolland

Register for county forums today at cea.org/events.

CEA PRESENTS STRESS-FREE SUNDAYS, MINDFUL MONDAYS YOGA As part of its Better Together: Taking Care of Educators initiative, CEA is providing free virtual yoga classes to all members in the weeks before and after the hectic holiday season. No matter your experience, each class benefits beginning practitioners and advanced yogis alike. Sign up for one, two, or all 12 sessions, which run on select Sunday and Monday evenings, now through February 7.

For details, visit cea.org/free-yoga-classes/ . Watch your inbox for other opportunities made available through CEA’s Better Together: Taking Care of Educators campaign.

Sessions will be announced this month, and registration opens in early 2022.

DIVERSIFYING

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CONNECTICUT TEACHER RESIDENCY PROGRAM BRINGS MORE TEACHERS OF COLOR INTO THE CLASSROOM

Connecticut continues to grow its number of teachers of color thanks to a Teacher Residency Program that began at CREC with CEA support. The program, which helps elementary teaching certification, is now operating on a statewide level. With a cohort of 44 this year, it hopes to enroll 60-80 future educators next year. Kindergarten teacher and CREC Education Association President Lisa Cordova, who serves on CEA’s Board of Directors, has been a strong advocate for the program since its inception. “It is well known that there is not enough diversity in the teaching force,” she said at a November news conference with Governor Lamont celebrating the program’s success. “CEA strongly supports innovative teacher preparation programs that help aspiring teachers meet high standards of certification and at the same time address persistent institutional and financial barriers that may impede their dreams of becoming educators.” Learning by doing What distinguishes the Teacher Residency Program is that it provides future educators with 18 months of hands- on training in a mentor teacher’s classroom, along with courses led by classroom teachers and a stipend so that participants can afford to take part. Ninety-eight percent of this year’s cohort are people of color. The program started at CREC with 11 teachers in the first cohort and 14 teachers in the second. It has expanded to other regional education service centers this year, and next year it will open up to Alliance Districts around the state that want to take part. Many districts have already expressed interest. Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, who spoke at the press conference, applauded the program that supports future teachers of color. “Many of noncertified school staff with bachelor’s degrees earn their

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, Governor Ned Lamont, CREC Education Association President and CEA board member Lisa Cordova, state legislators, and others joined teacher residents and mentors for a press conference at Northend Elementary School in New Britain to celebrate the success of the Teacher Residency Program.

the people I worked with, their mother was a teacher, their grandmother—so they saw someone in their family who could map out the blueprint for them. For me, even though all I ever wanted to be was a teacher, I got so much bad information on the front end. I took so many classes that I didn’t need. I found myself starting over and over again—so to have this completely mapped out is tremendous. To have 18 months of practical experience is something that is invaluable. Most teachers go through their whole program and do 10 weeks of student teaching at the end. To be able to get practical experience and ask questions in real time is what teachers want.” She continued, “I wish I had someone at the beginning of my journey to hold my hand and walk me through. I became a good teacher because I was a really bad teacher. I made a whole lot of mistakes and had to do things over and reach out and ask questions. I didn’t have the network of support that I needed at the front end of my career. But we have a unique opportunity to make

sure that doesn’t happen to other teachers. To make sure that when you’re two or three months in and thinking, ‘Did I make a mistake?’ or when a lesson bombs and you’re ready to leave the classroom for good, there’s someone there to say, ‘No, no, this is par for the course.’” Scaling up Hayes has taken her passion for diversifying and strengthening the teaching profession to Congress, where she anticipates an upcoming vote on President Biden’s Build Back Better bill. “There’s a billion dollars in there for teacher pipeline programs to do exactly what is being done here in the state of Connecticut. You can’t just talk about the need for these programs without putting the resources and supports in place.” “With every cohort, the program gets stronger,” Cordova said. “This cohort is in a much better place because we saw what didn’t work, tweaked it, and made it stronger.” Cordova said the program’s big strengths are its focus on high-quality

program’s courses.

In addition, studying for the certification test was an area where she and others identified the need for more support. “The CREC Education Association is now working to implement a one-on-one tutoring program to ensure residents’ success in passing the test,” she said. Cordova is delighted to see the program growing and reaching more potential educators, but she says more must be done to keep teachers in the school districts that need them teaching in the district that sponsors them for three years after receiving their certification, Cordova worries that those districts may lose their new teachers to wealthier school for the long term. Although participants must commit to systems nearby that can pay significantly higher salaries. Generational impact Governor Lamont, Education Committee Co-Chairs Senator Douglas McCrory and Representative Robert Sanchez, and Representative William Petit, who is also a member of the Education Committee, applauded the success that the program is having in recruiting teachers of color, saying that all children should see themselves reflected in their teachers. “It’s been a tough year-and-a- half,” Governor Lamont said. “Kids are here in school, and they need a friend, counselor, and mentor—and we need that more than ever. We Hayes thanked all the partners who made the program possible. “Now I can say that in my family, we went from me being a high school dropout to our being a second- generation college-educated family, with my daughter also being a teacher. So, it not only changes people, it changes families and generations—and education is our best shot at getting it right.” need to work hard to attract teachers, recruit teachers.”

mentor teachers and having classroom teachers lead the

For more information on the program, visit www.ct-trp.org.

CREC Education Association President Lisa Cordova (right) speaks with Congresswoman Jahana Hayes and State Rep. William Petit.

CELEBRATING

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2022 CONNECTICUT TEACHER OF THE YEAR KIM KING: ‘I HAVE SO MUCH RESPECT FOR MY PROFESSION’ Mansfield art teacher recognized for excellence in education are central to a well-rounded

In a surprise visit to Southeast Elementary School in Mansfield earlier this fall, state and local officials, education leaders, and colleagues joined students in celebrating the announcement that art teacher Kim King is Connecticut’s 2022 Teacher of the Year. In the audience were third- and fourth-graders from two Mansfield schools—Southeast and Vinton Elementary—where King teaches more than 350 students in total. They celebrated her with songs and spoken messages of how she has inspired them, including being inspired to “try my best,” “work hard, be kind, and support others,” and “use all the colors.” “Creativity is in so much of the work educators do already, and it can be found across grade levels and subject areas,” King shared, describing the transformative power of creativity to increase engagement, access, and agency for all students, inclusive of ability, identity, and experience. The creative arts, she explained, validate and embrace other ways of thinking, making space for students’ voices and points of view.

you think on your feet.” Referencing hot-button eduucation issues that have divided many towns, he said, “I see all the debates going on, and I just want to say one thing: Let our teachers teach! They know our kids so well.” Throughout King’s career, themes of equity, empathy, and respect have been at the heart of her teaching philosophy, and her students at the center of it all. In her art room at Southeast School hangs a sign that reads, “You Matter.” Pointing to the sign, one of her students explained that art was his favorite class because, in his words, “I matter here.” King says that sentiment is behind her choice to make teaching her life’s work. In 2020, she received a grant to study the art and culture of South Korea in order to help students deepen their understanding of other cultural perspectives as well as our common humanity. This past summer, she partnered with Make Us Visible CT, a coalition of students, parents, educators, legislators, and community members advocating for thoughtful, comprehensive inclusion of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) studies into K-12 curriculum. King will be helping write AAPI curriculum for Connecticut that reflects the histories and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders nationally and globally. As an educator of Korean descent and the parent of an adopted daughter and a biracial, transgender son, she stresses that “students need to see accurate representations of themselves in art, science, literature, and media so that they can imagine a future where they can be active contributors.” A member of her district’s 21st Century Learning Committee, Leadership Team, Curriculum Committee, Equity Committee, and Social-Emotional Learning Committee, she also strives to create safe learning spaces for her students and ensure equity in the greater community. When asked what she has learned from the pandemic and what lessons she will carry forward, King says, “Teachers reinvented systems and approached their teaching in different ways, and we want to continue that momentum. The pandemic magnified the fact that every student has different needs and that we need to create safe spaces where students can safely engage in critical thinking and cooperation. That starts with knowing our students. Teaching through the pandemic reinforced a lot of the beliefs I held and that I’m really leaning into now: meeting students where they are and taking more of a student-centered approach to teaching.” Teaching is calling Prior to her time in Mansfield, King worked at Riverside Magnet School in East Hartford and at Westbrook High School, where she taught drawing, painting, mixed media, ceramics, and photography.

education. As an art teacher, Kim inspires creativity and enriches the lives of her students, providing opportunities for them to express themselves artistically. A role model to her students, she is committed to her own growth and learning, ensuring that her leadership and teaching practices continue to evolve. Equity, empathy, and respect are at the heart of her teaching, and we are proud to see Kim recognized for the invaluable work she does and for the talent, passion, and dedication she brings to the teaching profession.” Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker applauded teachers’ strength and commitment during the pandemic, which she said, “has highlighted something in Connecticut that we already know: Our educators are dedicated and innovative, and they will rise to any challenge. As we return to normalcy in our daily and professional lives, we must all continue to be here for our educators every step of the way, because their well-being really matters. Why? Because they continue to be there every day for all

Trained as a fine art photographer, she began her career in professional photography in New York City before switching gears and working as an editorial assistant for This Old House magazine. But teaching is where she has found her greatest creative outlet and deepest rewards. “Working in this profession is the best,” she says. “I was in a colleague’s classroom recently, observing her morning meeting. I’m constantly learning from my colleagues; it’s so exciting. Everyone I work with is an expert at what they do, and I use that to improve my own practice. Teachers should all be held in high esteem. I’m amazed at how many of us are constantly reflecting, improving, and seeking new learning. When I was asked by the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, ‘What is your why?’ the answer is, of course, my students. We spend our lifetimes answering the ‘how.’ How do I get through to this student? How do I teach this better? These are the questions teachers ask, because we’re lifelong learners.” King also appreciates the support that union membership provides. “I’m a proud member of my union. I feel supported, and that’s important. Our union in Mansfield is really active, and we came together for a safe school opening this year. I like the idea of teachers supporting teachers.” King is eager for the day when it’s safe to once again “push tables together and share materials as we collaborate on art.” Upcoming projects in her classroom will include ceramics, printmaking, and “other fun media,” she says. As for her new role as Connecticut’s 2022 Teacher of the Year, King says, “I look forward to representing Connecticut’s phenomenal teachers. Together, we can make Connecticut more colorful.” solving that helped us teach and reach students through a pandemic.” _ Kim King “Art individualizes student learning and growth and builds confidence from within. It is this creative thinking and problem-

Creativity is baked into so much of the work that educators do, says Mansfield art teacher and 2022 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Kim King.

“Art individualizes student learning and growth, and it builds confidence from within. It is this creative thinking and problem- solving that helped us teach and reach students through a pandemic.” When reporters asked how it feels to be a celebrity, King answered, “All teachers are celebrities. They’ve all had to reinvent ways of reaching and teaching their students, and it’s an honor to represent Connecticut’s amazing teachers. I have so much respect for my profession.” An exemplar Administrators, colleagues, and others came together to applaud King’s penchant for listening to her students, encouraging young artists to take risks, and making sure they and their families feel seen, valued, and represented in works of art. “Kim exemplifies the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to her students, her colleagues, and her community,” said CEA President Kate Dias. “The arts

of our students. So, to all of Connecticut’s educators, thank you for the noble work that you do. The teacher we have come to honor today demonstrates the persistence, patience, and resilience, courage, determination, strength, and endurance that I spoke of before.” The heart of education “The kids here are so lucky to have all of your teachers who care so much about you and love you,” said Governor Ned Lamont said, adding, “This has been a complicated year.” Recognizing that the arts are often de-emphasized while priority is “given to STEM, the three Rs, new math, and teaching to the test,” the governor applauded the fact that the next Connecticut Teacher of the Year represents the arts. He added, “There is nothing more important in schools than having a great teacher who believes in you, having a great teacher who inspires you, having a great teacher who loves you, and having a great teacher who makes

REFLECTING

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included and consulted, they feel valued, which in turn boosts morale. We need teachers to feel that now more than ever. I also learned that teachers often do heroic work, but we are not actually superheroes. We are human beings. We cannot save the world all on our own, nor can we be expected to. The pandemic revealed how essential the work of educators really is, how much we do for students and communities, and how powerfully we impact lives every day. Therefore, we have to support the very people who teach, nurture, nourish, and protect our most valuable resource—our children. What were some highlights of being Connecticut’s Teacher of the Year? Rochelle Brown: The best part was advocating for the students and teachers of our state. While I was always an advocate as a union representative, my voice went from a quiet rumble to a mighty roar. I was able to lend my voice to issues such as the importance of vaccinations for educators, and teacher salaries. Most important, I was able to voice the concerns of teachers across the state as I testified virtually at a meeting of the Connecticut General Assembly in regard to dual remote and in-person teaching and how detrimental it was for students and their learning. Speaking to current and future educators about how teaching is a privilege and a gift was also an amazing experience. I met some of the most dynamic, amazing people both here and throughout the country. Being able to finally meet my fellow State Teachers of the Year at Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, was an experience to remember. It allowed me to become a student again and appreciate the learning process in a more profound way. Throughout my year of service, I was able to collaborate with my fellow Connecticut Teachers of the Year, including Meghan Hatch-Geary, Sheena Graham (2019), Kristin Record (2011), and David Bosso (2012). Meeting and working with U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. Miguel Cardona, sharing a stage with Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, and helping to communicate with Governor Ned Lamont the importance of access to the Internet were also experiences I will carry with me for a lifetime. My latest experience, a trip to Washington, D.C., allowed me and Meghan to have candid conversations with Senator Chris Murphy as well as representatives from the offices of Senator Richard Blumenthal and State Representatives John Larson and Rosa DeLauro. We talked about the importance of universal pre-K, school safety, how President Biden’s Build Back Better plan impacts education, and the need to continue some of the important initiatives that have been established since the pandemic. Finally, meeting First Lady Dr. Jill Biden still has me in awe. She has been such an inspiration to me, and her words—“Never stop ringing your bell. Never forget that the lives you change go on to change the

with 2020, 2021 Teachers of the Year ROCHELLE BROWN AND MEGHAN HATCH-GEARY REFLECTIONS ON TEACHING THROUGH THE PANDEMIC W hen Woodland Regional High School English teacher Meghan Hatch-Geary was named Connecticut’s 2020 Teacher of the Year, she could hardly have imagined that in a few short months, she would be looking at her students’ faces as little squares on a screen. The following year, 2021 Teacher of the Year Rochelle Brown, who teaches at Windsor’s Poquonock Elementary School, became the first educator to appear on the cover of the CEA Advisor receiving a vaccine. While the pandemic upended everyone’s expectations, it also provided opportunities for growth and reflection. Here, Brown and Hatch-Geary—who were featured in CEA’s Vaccinate Educators Now campaign—share insights gained during a time of uncertainty and loss, and adventures that included an epic trip to Washington, D.C., where they met with fellow teacher and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden (pictured, next page) and Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (pictured above, center). QA

What are some lessons you learned, as an educator, from the pandemic? Rochelle Brown: We truly need each other as educators. We need to be in full support of each other, because not one of us could have made it through this pandemic alone. I have come to rely on my fellow educators for support, and I also want to continue to be a source of inspiration for others. This past December, the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council hosted A Celebration of Teaching and Learning, where other Teachers of the Year and I were able to present and facilitate activities regarding

where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going as a profession. To hear the response from our colleagues from across the state was truly uplifting. I’ve also learned that while these years have been difficult, some silver linings have emerged. Learning never stopped. Teachers found new and innovative ways to educate their students. We collaborated to ensure that students, whether they were at home or in person, received quality instruction. Students were able to gain new skills, especially technology skills, that they may not have developed to the same extent in a typical year.

Teachers also came together and used their voices to advocate for their students and their profession. The pandemic made it very clear that many inequities exist for our students and families, but we stood united to ensure that we did our best on behalf of the people who matter most: our kids! Meghan Hatch-Geary: I’ve personally witnessed how powerfully positive and effective it is when teachers are a part of the decision- making process. Some of the most successful decisions that were made by schools and districts since March 2020 involved teacher input and action. And when teachers are

DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022 CEA ADVISOR 7

What are your hopes for the new year and your advice for fellow teachers? Rochelle Brown: Keep moving forward. As we continue to move into a still-unknown future, there are great challenges we must face. This year has been extremely challenging for many teachers, whether new or veteran educators. We must continue to support one another and use our voices to speak on behalf of our students and ourselves. We are professionals who bring such talent, innovation, creativity, and passion to our profession each day. We must never forget that we are the people who have the privilege of creating the future. Every person, in every profession, was taught by a teacher. I look forward to working with Kim King, the 2022 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, and other educators throughout the state as we continue to teach and inspire our students, and one another, every day. Meghan Hatch-Geary: We hear, rightfully so, a lot about how important it is for teachers to build relationships with students. My advice would be to also build relationships with teachers and other educators, both within your district and beyond. One of the things I’ve realized these last two years is how vast our network is and how many opportunities there are to learn, grow, and hone our craft. Teachers across our state are doing incredible things, and they have so much to share. It’s easy to get caught up in the work we do in our own schools and towns, but I’ve been enlightened, inspired, rejuvenated, encouraged, and surprised by what other educators are experiencing and by how they are innovating in districts much different from my own. There are also so many organizations doing critically important and exciting work that can support teachers no matter where they are in their careers. Take advantage of those opportunities! Make connections, ask questions, and widen your circle; we need each other, and we can do so much more together than we can on our own.

for appointing me to the curriculum writing team, and I am indebted to the many folks I worked with through the State Education Resource Center, the Connecticut legislature, and Central Connecticut State University as we wrote the course, developed professional learning for teachers, and promoted the importance of this historic curriculum across the state. What a privilege it has been to meet, learn from, and work with the many brilliant and dedicated people who made that curriculum possible. Certainly, one of the most memorable moments of my life came on the day I walked through the gates of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and shook hands with the “teacher in the White House,” First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. The 2020 and 2021 Teacher of the Year cohorts were never certain such a day would come, and I am so full of gratitude for every person who committed to ensuring that it did. Dr. Biden herself was adamant that the teachers be afforded such a time- honored tradition, and it was indeed an honor to be there, to sit on the South Lawn and listen to not only our country’s esteemed leaders but also the two National Teachers of the Year who have led us all throughout these tumultuous times with grace and strength and good humor. Tabatha Rosproy and Juliana Urtubay are champions of public education, and they are inspiring representatives of our profession. While I did not manage to sneak a photo with President Biden himself, I did find my way to his presidential podium. Standing there in the sun memorials on the National Mall from such a privileged position, I was reminded of how profoundly fortunate I have been, and of how important it is that I continue to advocate for all teachers and for a truly equitable education system that serves all students, because that is how we preserve and protect our democracy. that day, looking out at the Washington and Jefferson

Rochelle Brown and Meghan Hatch-Geary join forces to represent tens of thousands of excellent educators throughout Connecticut.

world. Student by student, you perform miracles every day”—will serve as a constant reminder of why I teach. Meghan Hatch-Geary: While COVID-19 interrupted and influenced my experience as Teacher of the Year, it also extended and enriched it. I feel immensely grateful for the two full years I’ve had to listen, learn, and lead. Thanks to the tremendous support of the State Department of Education, the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, their generous sponsors, the Council of Chief State School Officers, and my very own Region 16, I have been able to enjoy a multitude of both in-person and virtual events that have pushed my limits, enriched my life, and made me a better teacher. I was able to attend Induction Week at Google in California; Space Camp Educator Academy in Alabama; events at the White House and (virtually) Capitol Hill in Washington, DC; and a ceremony on the field at Fenway Park during a Red Sox game. I’ve been able to attend virtual conferences with

incredible presenters and speakers, like Ruby Bridges and Clint Smith. I’ve had the privilege of speaking to audiences at various organizations and learning more about how they serve education throughout our state. I’ve collaborated with members of the Connecticut Education Association in campaigns to help diversify the teacher workforce, ensure COVID health and safety measures, amplify teacher voice during the pandemic, and advocate for vaccinations for all school personnel. I have made videos with students to elevate their voices, been invited into classrooms to share my love of literature, and been encouraged to share my story and passions with the support of Teach Connecticut and Dalio Education. One of the things I am proudest of is being able to contribute to the development and promotion of the premier Black and Latino studies course that will be offered in every Connecticut high school starting next year. I am grateful to U.S. Secretary of Education and former Connecticut Education Commissioner Dr. Miguel Cardona

In spite of unexpected changes and challenges brought on by the COVID pandemic, the last two years have provided Connecticut Teachers of the Year Rochelle Brown (2021) and Meghan Hatch-Geary (2020) exciting opportunities to lead and learn. Among their many experiences were a chance to participate in Space Camp, meet with White House and Congressional officials, and celebrate Teachers of the Year from every part of the country.

ADVOCATING

8 CEA ADVISOR DECEMBER 2021 - JANUARY 2022

CEA ADDRESSING CAUSES, EFFECTS

CEA is taking a multipronged approach to solving the problem of teacher shortages, burnout, and stress. To push back on efforts to micromanage teachers’ classrooms and undermine their curriculum, CEA, along with a coalition of education stakeholders, has put forth an initiative called What’s Real in Education . (See facing page.) The group is proactively highlighting the good work of professional educators and what is being taught in classrooms—which includes curriculum that addresses issues of race and equity and teaches history in a way that’s honest and age-appropriate. To ensure that teachers have the resources they need to do their jobs

HELP WANTED STUDENT TRAUMA, STAFF SHORTAGES, PUBLIC ATTACKS ADD TO TEACHERS’ STRESS

effectively and reduce churn and burnout, CEA has launched Better Together: Taking Care of Educators , which offers everything from free fitness/wellness activities, social opportunities, and mental health first-aid training to practical supports so that teachers have a positive work environment and are easily able to take time off when they need it. This fall, CEA conducted a survey of members’ top concerns that can be addressed through legislation. On that front, CEA is developing and advocating for a comprehensive legislative package that will recruit and retain educators as well as revitalize the profession with proposals that would ensure • Educators have a robust support system to help maintain a safe, inclusive, rich learning environment. Mental health resources are easily accessible for students, families, and teachers. • Greater health and safety is maintained in public school buildings through improved indoor air quality, established minimum and maximum temperatures, and other measures. • Teachers’ salaries are comparable to those of other professionals with similar degrees. • Teachers have access to high- quality, affordable health insurance. • Teaching is regarded as a desirable career path attracting a diverse, talented pool of applicants.

38 % of teachers surveyed by CEA this school year said they are more likely to retire early or leave the profession because of the pandemic 1 , 000 + unfilled certified staff positions in Connecticut schools as of November 174 emergency certifications to reassign educators to teach in shortage areas last year

Perfect storm “It’s really the perfect storm,” says CEA President Kate Dias. “We are facing incredible stress and an alarming shortage in one of the most critical professions.” That stress, she says, combined with salary freezes and other factors, has created an untenable situation for teachers. “On a scale of zero to ten, pre- pandemic stress levels for teachers averaged around six,” she explains, citing results from a CEA poll. “Last year, workplace stress hit a level of 8.7 out of ten, and teachers expect their stress levels to remain above eight this year.” Exacerbating the problem is a recent spate of attacks directed at teachers and schools about curriculum—what is taught, and how—as well as public disagreement about COVID safety measures. Even the rewards of teaching—making a difference in the lives of children and communities—have diminished in the face of angry attacks by small but vocal groups of parents and community members. “Educators are professionals, and when they aren’t treated as such or they are not allowed to have input on critical issues that affect students and public education policy, including health and safety concerns, they are going to look for work elsewhere, where stress levels are lower, pay is higher, and they receive the respect they deserve,” says Dias. “We have to seriously examine long-term impacts to the teaching pool and the shortage of students entering teacher preparation programs. The pipeline is getting smaller.” She adds, “Teachers, who have already gone thousands of extra miles due to staffing shortages, student trauma, the constant pile-on of initiatives, and attacks by parents and

At the start of the school year, hundreds of vacancies were posted in school districts all across the state, with some experiencing an increase of 60 percent in vacancies over the prior year. Nearly halfway into the current school year, scores of positions remain unfilled. They include critical shortage areas such as math, science, technology, bilingual education, special education, world languages, media specialists, school psychologists, and speech and language pathologists. Also in scarce supply are custodial staff, paraprofessionals, and substitute teachers—shortages that have intensified teachers’ workload and escalated CEA’s efforts to effect change at the bargaining table, on boards of education, at the state legislature, and in the halls of Congress. Fewer entering, more leaving Nearly two-thirds of teachers in an EdWeek Research Center survey said they’ve taken on additional responsibilities, from cleaning their own classrooms to covering classes where substitutes could not be found. In a CEA survey conducted at the start of the school year, more than one in three educators reported considering retiring or leaving the profession earlier than planned. “We are clamoring for qualified teachers,” says Bridgeport Education Association President Ana Batista, adding that the city is not alone. After years of chronically underfunded school budgets, urban districts in particular struggle to recruit and retain teachers, who often leave for higher-paying districts. In Bridgeport alone, nearly 70 teacher and staff vacancies remain unfilled. In addition, while Connecticut’s college entrance and graduation rates have remained fairly steady in recent years, the number of students completing teacher preparation programs declined by 15 percent since 2016. With fewer graduates entering the profession and more teachers feeling the stress of underfunded schools and outside pressures on everything from curriculum to COVID protocols, help wanted signs have sprung up outside schools throughout the state.

• Educational decisions that affect the school community are made only after extensive consultation with teachers, and educators are given greater autonomy that reflects their professional training. • Educators have dedicated time to learn, collaborate, and innovate. • Meaningful professional learning opportunities developed by educators and easily accessible to all teachers take the place of irrelevant mandated professional development. • The arts, physical education, and vocational experiences are as valued as reading and math. • A simplified, supportive teacher evaluation process is based on growth, reflection, and learning. • TEAM is reformed in ways that reduce the burden on educators. • Classrooms are joyful, and play is considered essential to learning. • The number of standardized tests is reduced in the interest of more meaningful learning and assessment. • The ratio of students to social workers, counselors, psychologists, behavioral interventionists, and other certified support staff is improved, and the intensity of special education caseloads is addressed. • Connecticut’s kindergarten start age, which is among the earliest in the country, is raised. • Simultaneous remote and in-person teaching is prohibited.

community members, cannot continue going the extra mile. Something has to give.”

STAY INFORMED AND ENGAGED

When the 2022 General Assembly session convenes on February 9, issues related to children’s mental health, behavioral concerns, and the role and impact for schools are expected to take center stage. CEA will be actively advocating to address these and other teacher concerns in the upcoming legislative session. The session is less than three months, meaning legislators will have to move quickly to pass key bills. Don’t pass up this important opportunity to communicate your experiences; lawmakers base many of their decisions on conversations they have with constituents. Call, email, or testify on bills that elevate your profession and support your students and colleagues. Watch your inbox for CEA Action Alerts so that you know what’s being debated and where your voice can make a difference.