Feb-March Advisor 2020 Online

FEBRUARY–MARCH 2020 CEA ADVISOR 3

News Briefs

IN THIS ISSUE

Last Call for Award Entries! Deadline: February 28

4-5 MOBILIZING

With the legislative session underway, CEA leaders are working on numerous issues critical to public education. Find out how you can get involved and make sure your legislators are working for you and your students. Plus, see how one Naugatuck teacher has shown her students the power of their collective voice at the Capitol. SURVEYING CEA once again partnered with AFT Connecticut and WFSB Channel 3 on a survey to get teachers’ perspectives on issues ranging from toxic stress on students to health risks posed by aging buildings. Read what your colleagues are saying. ADVANCING CEA scored major victories for teachers regarding several DCF policies. Read about the positive impact these changes will have on you. Plus, celebrate the long-awaited defeat of an excise tax on teachers’ health care plans. CEA has launched a new multimedia campaign, Teaching Is Calling You, designed to raise interest in teaching careers among young people and to bring more people of color into the profession. BARGAINING Ever wonder what it takes to go into negotiations and how successful teachers’ contracts are bargained? CEA members from around the state are learning new strategies to help them get the salaries, step movement, and classroom conditions they deserve. The NEA RA is in the offing, and the governance structure is shaping up. Meet the candidates and newly elected delegates. If your local has fewer than 76 members, find out how to become county cluster delegates to the 2020 NEA RA. ENGAGING Attend a free book talk with Dr. Marc Brackett, a reknowned expert on emotional intelligence and author of Permission to Feel , which explores how social-emotional learning improves children’s health, well-being, academic outcomes, and long-term success. CONNECTING As the legislative session heats up, count on CEA’s Action Alerts, blog, social media, and more to keep you in the loop on education bills that matter to your profession, your students, and your future. Windsor teacher Marquis Johnson is one of several CEA members featured in a campaign to encourage more young people—and particularly students of color—to enter the teaching profession.

Enter yourself or nominate your local Association, a community member, or a colleague for any of several CEA awards honoring those who advance public education and the teaching profession. Awards recognize individuals, groups, websites, and newsletters that support students, teachers, and schools. Applications and details are online ( cea.org/grants-and-awards ), and entering is easy. All entries must be received on or before February 28, 2020. Let us know who deserves a special shout-out at this year’s CEA Representative Assembly (May 8-9), where awards will be announced and presented.

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MARCH 21 8:30AM - 2:00PM MYSTIC MARRIOTT HOTEL, 625 NORTH ROAD, GROTON Register at cea.org under Events

CONNECTICUT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION EARLY CAREER EDUCATORS CONFERENCE

8-9 DIVERSIFYING

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13-14 REPRESENTING

Experienced Professionals Fill CEA Positions

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Maura Albert, Legal Assistant CEA’s Member Legal Services welcomes its newest staff member, certified paralegal Maura Albert.

Gus Melita, Political Engagement Coordinator Gus Melita has been named political engagement coordinator for CEA. Melita, who joined CEA in 2013 as the association’s

Albert’s main responsibilities involve workers’ compensation cases, including gathering and analyzing medical records, compiling teachers’ injury- related expenses, and

political action associate, has provided insight into various local elections and referenda and facilitated grassroots member organizing and outreach. In his expanded role, he will

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corresponding with insurance companies and attorneys in an effort to get CEA members the medical treatment they need as well as reimbursement for expenses stemming from work- related injuries or illnesses. Albert, who has previously worked for single- and multiple-attorney offices, has extensive experience in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and civil litigation cases from intake through settlement, including drafting and filing pleadings, monitoring the status of files in litigation, scheduling depositions, and preparing files for mediation, arbitration, or trial.

monitor and disseminate information on federal and state legislative issues and political activities, develop networks of political action volunteers, conduct training to increase members’ involvement in local, state, and national political and legislative arenas, and continue to assist with legislative organizing and lobbying activities. Melita’s prior work experience includes serving as a legislative aide, campaign manager, and deputy field director. He is a graduate of the University of Vermont, where he majored in history and political science.

ON THE COVER

CONNECT WITH CEA

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facebook.com/ CTEdAssoc

youtube.com/ ceavideo

blogCEA.org

twitter.com/ ceanews

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