May-June 2019 Advisor

REPRESENTING

4 CEA ADVISOR MAY–JUNE 2019

TEACHERS HONORED, OFFICERS ELECTED AT CEA RA

Nearly 400 teachers gathered at the Mohegan Sun Expo and Convention Center on May 10-11 to set policy and elect new leaders at the 171st Connecticut Education Association Representative Assembly (CEA RA). The CEA RA is the Association’s highest policymaking body. Delegates were welcomed to the assembly by members of Bridgeport’s Harding High School choir, led by Connecticut Teacher of the Year Sheena Graham. President’s message Addressing delegates as CEA president for the first time, Jeff Leake urged teachers to continue the fight to protect students, public education, and the teaching profession; combat social and racial injustice; and grow, strengthen, and diversify their own ranks. “The Connecticut Education Association is a major influencer in this enterprise called Connecticut education,” he said, “and our active members are part of an instructional staff of over 50,000 professionals serving a half million students in 205 public school districts. During this Teacher Appreciation Week, we recognize how just one teacher can change young people’s lives, giving them the confidence to pursue their biggest goals. And in the past year, teachers have left an impact well beyond their classrooms, launching a social justice movement that is impossible to ignore.” CEA’s leadership team, he said, is committed to strengthening the leadership bench at the state and local levels and encouraging the most diverse group of teachers to begin or continue their leadership journeys. (For more on CEA’s efforts to diversify Connecticut’s teaching force, see story on pages 6-7.) Stepping up to the challenge of greater union involvement and influence, he added, members are knocking on doors for political candidates and meeting with legislators to advocate for their profession and their students. He also noted the rise in Connecticut and nationwide in “bargaining for the common good,” fighting for every single student in every classroom, in all communities. “That is exactly what our colleagues across the country did—walked the

reform movement has reinvigorated support for public schools, the students who learn and grow there, and the teachers who make that growth and learning possible. Williams thanked educators for getting involved and advocating for issues of importance to fellow members, including teacher pensions. (See stories, pages 8-9.)

added, referring to corporate profiteers attempting to undermine public education. Contrasting anti- union, anti-public education endeavors bankrolled by billionaires such as Betsy DeVos and the Koch brothers with those who have used their wealth and influence to buoy public education, Williams said a growing disenchantment with corporate interests and the education

Election Running unopposed at the CEA RA, Stephanie Wanzer was re-elected as CEA secretary, and NEA Director David Jedidian was elected CEA treasurer. With no candidates nominated for Ethnic Minority Director At- Large, CEA’s Board of Directors will appoint a member to fill the position. (See notice at the bottom of this page.) New Budget Delegates unanimously adopted a new CEA budget for fiscal year 2019- 2020, with no increase in membership dues, and passed three constitutional amendments as well as two amendments to the CEA by-laws. New Business They also adopted two new business items. The first will help CEA pursue a legislative agenda addressing safe learning climates and environments in Connecticut’s public schools. CEA’s #IsMySchoolSick pilot program has now launched in five districts, where teachers are collecting

At the 171st CEA Representative Assembly, CEA President Jeff Leake highlights the need for members to be #strongertogether in support of public education. line for more than pay but for the students in their schools. They were out on those lines, wearing #RedforEd for their students, for more resources, and for much- needed support.” (See stories, page 16.) “To build our strength and our power,” he said, “we must connect with others, forming relationships and coalitions with those who understand that our public schools are the cornerstones of our democracy, not profit centers for the wealthy or politically ambitious.” Work with purpose Thanking Connecticut’s teachers for their commitment to their students, CEA Executive Director Donald Williams told the crowd, “You’re serving your profession, your union, and public education. It is a privilege to live and work with purpose—knowing your work has meaning and value, working toward a goal that benefits many, and providing inspiration for children and the next generation. It comes as no surprise that teachers live and work with purpose. You have the power to open the doors of knowledge and to help all students reach their potential. “You would think these would be universal goals, but they’re not,” he

temperature and humidity data. The program focuses on infrastructure issues that cause extreme temperatures and humidity levels, poor indoor air quality, mold, and dust that The second business item continues supporting the work of CEA’s Poverty Task Force, with the aim of reducing the impact of poverty on students. The task force will hold a fall impede learning and teaching conditions.

Stephanie Wanzer was re-elected to the position of CEA secretary and David Jedidian was elected to the position of CEA treasurer.

conference as well as develop a website with information and avenues for legislative action. Both new business items passed unanimously.

Delegates also passed several resolutions to advance educational opportunities for all individuals (as through affordable early childhood programs, the development of social-emotional competencies, support for a living wage that would ease the effects of poverty on students’ families, and equitable resources for students affected by poverty), ensure environmentally safe schools, and promote professional excellence, the rights of teachers, and the diversity and strength of the union.

Mirroring a change made at the last NEA RA, the CEA Representative Assembly officially changed the name of the CEA Student Program to CEA Aspiring Educators Program.

INTERIM POSITIONS AVAILABLE ON CEA’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS There are interim openings for an Ethnic Minority Director , as defined in the NEA Bylaws, Section 12-1h, to be seated on the CEA Board of Directors, as well as an NEA Director Alternate, who will act in the absence of the NEA Director at both NEA and CEA Board of Directors meetings. Per the CEA Constitution, a vacancy in the office of NEA Director Alternate shall be filled by an interim appointment of the Board of Directors. Members interested in being nominated must notify the office of CEA President in writing. Nomination letters must be sent by email or U.S. mail and received by the Office of the President by June 30. The elections will take place at the CEA Board of Directors meeting at the CEA Summer Conference, August 5-6, 2019, and the interim appointments will continue only until the next opportunity for an election, which will be the 172nd CEA Representative Assembly, May 2020.

Stratford Education Association Secondary Vice President Kristen Record (at mic) and Darien Education Association President Joslyn DeLancey introduced a new business item, #IsMySchoolSick, which addresses safe learning climates and environments in our public schools.