Feb-Mar 2021 Advisor

CEA RETIRED NEWS

FEBRUARY–MARCH 2021 CEA ADVISOR 13

RETIRED SOUTH WINDSOR TEACHER NEVER LEFT THE CLASSROOM Ask Marcia Lee when she retired, and the answer is…tricky. In June 2012, the veteran elementary educator retired from I’m so thankful. We all work together; that’s our strength.” willingness to step in has been a tremendous asset to schools

She had also never been trained in remote teaching but says, “Learning new things keeps us young and alive. I was set up with Seesaw’s virtual learning platform for art from March through June 2020, when schools were first closed because of the pandemic. The art director was wonderful. We had elementary curriculum meetings every Tuesday, and every Friday we had the whole art department together. It was invigorating to hear from middle and high school art teachers. I would post lessons, and my colleagues were very kind and would share their own lessons.” At Philip Smith School, Lee is now substitute teaching fifth grade art, with slightly more than half of her students attending school in person, and the rest learning remotely. “I’m doing this synchronously, so I’m on camera or a lesson is being projected while I’m teaching in the classroom.” Managing in-person and distance learning is challenging, she acknowledges; it requires really knowing the curriculum and the best way of delivering it, analyzing outcomes, and figuring out how to build small groups in a split environment. “I have a lot of support in my building,” she says, counting colleagues and administrators. Her students are a big help too, she adds. “If I miss a cue from the kids at home, like if they want to raise a

throughout the state, many of which struggle with adequate staffing. Lee understands the risks she faces but also says her passion for teaching keeps her coming back. She urges her retired peers to stay involved as well, both in their union and—if they have the ability and desire—in their school district. “There’s still magic in the classroom. That hasn’t changed. It’s an exciting place to be, so if you’re considering it, go for it. If we can get more retired teachers working with students, it would be good not only for us but for young people. It gives them a multigenerational environment, and kids appreciate that.” The support that Lee values in her school, and the energy she derives from it, is what she has always cherished about her union. She is a lifetime CEA-Retired and NEA- Retired member. “I was always very involved with my local association and CEA, starting when I was a building rep in my early years of teaching,” she recalls. “I was active in the South Windsor Education Association, I served on CEA’s Board of Directors, and I participated in Representative Assemblies, representing Hartford county and becoming a director.” To learn more and get involved with other retired educators, visit cea.org/cea-retired .

Philip Smith School, in South Windsor. Two months later, in August, she was called back as a long-term substitute art teacher in the same building where she had made her career. Nearly nine years into a very busy retirement, she’s still going. “I just haven’t stopped!” she admits. “I was in New Hampshire when I got the call, so I had to think about it.” It didn’t take long. “Since 2012,” she says, “I’ve subbed in the whole district. For me, it’s a way to give back.” Learning curve Lee’s days in the classroom began in 1985 as a kindergarten teacher. She has since worked with fifth-graders and everyone in between, and admits she has a particular affinity for third- graders. “That’s when their learning style switches over,” she explains. “Up until third grade, they’re learning to read. Now they’re reading to learn, and they’re eager to learn about everything. They’re more independent.” Although she minored in art as a student, Lee had not made a career as an art teacher. Becoming an effective long-term substitute happened with the support of a strong art director and her colleagues, she says. “The team makes it possible, and

hand and add to the discussion, they’ll let me know.” After school, Lee keeps office hours so that students who have questions can reach her. “It’s wonderful working with young people and watching them learn and grow,” Lee says. “I’ll post lessons on Sunday night, and some of the kids will do the lesson in different media and give multiple submissions. I’ll get something in crayon one day, and then the next day in paint, because many children are looking for a creative outlet.” Help in times of need With the pandemic creating chronic teacher and substitute shortages, CEA- Retired members’ ability and When she’s not at home, CEA-Retired member Marcia Lee finds inspiration in the classroom.

CEA Hearing Aid Benefits CEA MEMBERS, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS GET THESE BENEFITS n Free hearing test and consultation n Free 30-day trial period n Free two-year warranty, including office visits, repairs, and batteries

Never change a battery again!

HEARING CARE CENTERS hearingcarecentersct.com aahearingstamfordct.com

30% off any digital hearing instrument!

We have five convenient locations across Connecticut Fairfield County Hartford County Litchfield County CALL 860-247-7724