Feb-Mar 2022 Advisor

FEBRUARY–MARCH 2022 CEA ADVISOR 3

IN THIS ISSUE

News Briefs

The classroom environment has changed a lot in the last two years, and for many educators new to the profession, change has been a constant from day one. Whether this is your first year in the classroom or your sixth, CEA’s Early Career Educator Conference will help you grow as a professional, connect with colleagues from around the state, and learn from veteran teachers who have been there, done that, and navigated the new normal alongside you. Designed specifically for early career educators but open to all CEA CEA’s Early Career Educator Conference Saturday, March 26 | Southbury, CT | Breakfast & lunch included

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LEADING CEA leaders discuss the ongoing

challenges facing teachers and unveil an aggressive legislative plan to address them. Pandemic-related stress, along with pre- pandemic challenges left unaddressed, are leading to teacher burnout, mental health issues for students, and renewed calls for adequate school funding and support. Read about CEA’s social media campaign, What You Don’t See, and other efforts to shine a light on the issues. A statewide teacher ‘blackout’ calling for clear COVID protocols and safe, in-person learning made national headlines and gained widespread attention on both news and social media. See highlights, including photos from neighboring districts or your own, and read how the statewide action—and a subsequent school visit from the governor, along with CEA leaders—prompted change. As the state lifts its mask mandate for schools, new challenges arise for educators. CEA presents its legislative priorities to support them—by improving indoor air quality, elevating teacher voice, addressing staff shortages, providing incentives for talented professionals to enter and grow in the field, and ensuring they retire with dignity. Read how you can be a part of the solution. IMPROVING Though we’re still in winter’s grip, every teacher knows that spring temperatures will bring unbearable heat to many classrooms. Between rising mercury and COVID waves, the need for quality HVAC systems in schools has never been greater. Read what CEA is doing about it and how teacher-supplied data has been instrumental. SUPPORTING COVID has taken a tremendous toll on teachers. Relief has come in various forms, including financial assistance and teacher evaluation flexibilities. See who will represent you at the NEA Representative Assembly. Does your local association have fewer than 76 members? Nominate NEA County Cluster Delegates by March 31. Are you making the most of your CEA membership? You could be saving hundreds—even thousands—of dollars a year. Stay connected with CEA during the busy legislative session and get teachers’ priorities over the finish line. Also, see how teachers around the state brightened the holidays for students in need—and how you can help too.

4-5 HEALING

Saturday, March 26 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Heritage Hotel & Conference Center, 522 Heritage Road, Southbury, CT members and CEA Aspiring Educators, this professional learning day will help you become more confident in your skills as a teacher and as an advocate for your students. Plan to attend this free, information-packed conference. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

6-7 COMMUNICATING

Professional development sessions include • Using the QFT to enhance student engagement • How to reach and teach your EL students • Decreasing anxiety in the classroom • Teaching with technology • Creating an anti-racist classroom • Escape room activities for the classroom

• Strategies for interacting with adults in the classroom • Pension issues for early career teachers • Knowing your legal rights and responsibilities as a teacher • Teacher evaluation

Register at cea.org/register-for-ceas-early-career-educator-conference/

8-9 ADVOCATING

Changes Announced for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Teachers who have federal student loan debt have been frustrated by the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program’s complicated requirements and low approval rate. That changed on October 6, when the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) announced it will temporarily suspend many of the rules that made PSLF so difficult to pursue. In short, nonprofit employees—including educators—who were previously ineligible for loan forgiveness because they held the wrong type of loans (particularly Perkins and Federal Family Education Loan Program loans) or were making payments through an ineligible repayment plan can now apply for loan forgiveness. This opportunity is anticipated to last only until October 31, 2022. A few other key takeaways: • The DOE’s announcement didn’t change eligibility requirements for federal Parent PLUS loan forgiveness. They can still be forgiven, but only under the current rules. • Retirees or borrowers who no longer work for an eligible

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employer but who already made 120 payments on a Direct loan while working for a qualified nonprofit can qualify for PSLF. • If it turns out you’ve made more than 120 payments on a Direct loan after recalculating the number that now qualify, you can receive a refund for those extra payments. • If you’re holding Perkins or FFEL loans, you must consolidate them into the Direct loan program by October 31, 2022, so that their balances can be forgiven. It won’t be possible after that date. • Even if you won’t have made 120 payments by October 31, 2022, the waiver will allow you to include previously ineligible payments if you follow a few simple steps. • To find out more about the DOE’s waiver opportunity and how it • might lead to forgiveness of your federal loan balances, join CEA Member Benefits partner Cambridge Credit Counseling for a free informational webinar. Dates will be announced at cea.org/daily . Subscribe for updates.

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14 ELECTING

Deadline is October 31, 2022

15 SAVING

To learn more about reducing or eliminating student loan payments or credit card debt, visit cea.org/teacher-discounts/cambridge-credit/

16 ENAGAGING

Your Email, Member ID Unlock Benefits of CEA Membership

Your 2021-2022 CEA membership card and unique membership number (also found within the mailing address of your CEA Advisor) provide members-only access to crucial information at cea.org . Log in with your unique membership ID and take full advantage of events, training, services, information, resources, and discounts available only to members, including • Free professional development • Free retirement workshops • Free, comprehensive guides for teacher evaluation • Discounts on a wide variety of products and services you use every day • Teachers’ contracts for all Connecticut districts

Membership also provides no-cost assistance from CEA’s legal experts when you need it, as well as training in your legal rights and responsibilities when it comes to DCF investigations, social media, and more. CEA regularly polls members and sends Action Alerts on key legislative issues. In order to reach you, CEA must have your current personal email address. (Emails from CEA and other organizations are often blocked by school email systems.) To ensure you never miss a key update or survey, visit mynea360.org . There, you can check to be sure your email address is correct and current. STAY IN THE KNOW

YOU are the reason someone came to school today. Remember that.

CONNECT WITH CEA

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