May-June-2020-Advisor

RECOGNIZING

MAY-JUNE 2020 CEA ADVISOR 13

Education Exemplars Recognized Each year at the CEA RA, members are called up to the stage and recognized for serving as exemplars in their local associations and communities—going the extra mile to build connections, foster change, strengthen communication, and advance the teaching profession. While this year’s virtual RA format precluded the type of recognition ceremony normally held, educators and community stakeholders were nevertheless applauded for their work over the past year and, in many cases, over the span of their careers. We present this year’s award recipients. ABCD AWARD (ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY) Thirty-year veteran teacher and Manchester Education Association Vice President Shelley Carlson , whose union roles have included grievance chair and building representative, was recognized not only for her tireless advocacy on behalf of her colleagues but also her leadership on the district’s mental health initiative. The initiative focuses on restorative justice and teacher wellness. Most recently, Carlson opened a small alternative program for students in grades five and six who feel disconnected from school and need extra time and support. CEA SALUTES AWARD Thirty-seven year veteran teacher Deborah Leavens , who served as Hampton Education Association president for 28 years, has been described by colleagues as “a force to be reckoned with.” Hailed for her grit, determination, and willingness to confront the administration or board of education in even the most uncomfortable circumstances, Leavens has spent

Radio Personality Applauded for Supporting Students, Teachers, Public Schools Renee DiNino presented with Charles B. Kelly Local Media Award CEA awarded Renee DiNino, on-air personality and community affairs director for iHeartRadio Connecticut, the Charles B. Kelly Local Media Award for her support of teachers and public education. “Renee is a true friend of public school teachers and students and a steadfast and vocal supporter of CEA and its charitable arm, the

Connecticut Education Foundation (CEF),” says CEA President Jeff Leake. “She uses her media presence, her reach, and her warm, outgoing personality to bring much- needed attention to causes near and dear to CEA.” In recent years, DiNino has enthusiastically signed iHeartRadio on as a sponsor of CEF projects such as Holiday Bear and Read Across America and has provided ongoing positive media coverage of these initiatives. She has interviewed CEA and CEF leaders, encouraged audiences to listen, learn, and lend their support, and has broadcast interviews and information across iHeartMedia

many late nights negotiating teachers’ contracts and fighting for students with special needs to receive the maximum support possible. “She has a clear understanding of what all of her students need,” wrote one fellow teacher, adding, “She cares about the whole child and finds avenues to ensure their personal, social, and emotional health.” Her leadership has also been credited with advancing numerous initiatives for her small, rural school, including home-to-school communication and visits, project- based learning, collaboration across grades, developmentally appropriate practices, healthy lunches, the importance of recess, best practices for teaching reading and writing, Spanish language classes, after-school clubs, multicultural programs, and hands-on STEM learning. Barbara Kastner , a building representative at Manchester High School, is widely admired for bringing colleagues under her wing, supporting their growth in the Manchester Education Association, and sharing her knowledge about basic contract language, benefits of membership, and retirement options. She supports new and experienced teachers, reaches out to colleagues who may be struggling, and looks for ways to enhance the teaching experience. “Without her kindness and generosity of spirit,” fellow teachers say, “we would all be lost. Barb Kastner is a gem, and we are lucky to have her.” NORMAN E. DELISLE PUBLIC RELATIONS GRANT

Beth Horler CLIFF SILVERS AWARD Kindergarten teacher Beth Horler, who has served as Groton Education Association president for the past 15 years, was recognized with the Cliff Silvers Award for her passionate advocacy for public education and the rights of students and teachers. Having led GEA through many difficult contract negotiations, she has also fought for improved safety and environmental conditions in schools, organized letter-writing campaigns to state legislators, arranged meetings with local politicians, rallied teachers for protests at the State Capitol, and helped defeat numerous harmful education bills in the state legislature. Her advocacy for teachers, colleagues say, is surpassed only by her advocacy for students. They add, “Beth is not afraid to stand up and fight for policies that are good for kids.”

iHeartRadio’s Renee DiNino was the celebrity reader at Waddell Elementary School in Manchester during this year’s Read Across America bus tour.

platforms—including websites, social media, and radio stations KISS 95.7, KC 101, Country 92.5, The River 105.9, The Beat 97.9, and AM stations ESPN Radio 1300, News Radio 1410, and 960 WELI. “Renee promotes good works not only through positive publicity, news stories, and sponsorship but also on a personal level, contributing her own time, talent, energy, and funds to CEF’s causes,” says Leake. “She made an on-air pledge to sponsor children to receive holiday gifts, including books, toys, and gift certificates, and essentials such as coats and hats,” says CEA Vice President and CEF President Tom Nicholas. “She not only made good on her promise but also encouraged listeners to join her in sponsoring other teacher-nominated children from pre-K through 12th grade whose families have been hit with financial hardships.” DiNino and iHeartRadio also play an active role in CEF’s annual Read Across America Reading Bus Tour. As a community sponsor of the weeklong event, iHeartRadio helps make it possible to supply

hundreds of Connecticut children with bookbags, school supplies, and free books. “Education is the key to creating our future leaders, and we are dedicated to supporting public school teachers and committed to shining a light on the importance of literacy throughout our state,” says DiNino, who often visits schools and reads to students. “She is a true champion of education and so deserving of this award,” says Nicholas.

Stefanie Grande , EMAC Public Relations Chair for the Manchester Education Association, received a grant to support the work of MEA’s Ethnic Minority Affairs Commission. Funding will be used to purchase a website domain and Google Suite, create a website that connects and supports the district’s teachers of color, and develop posters, brochures, and a panel series for ethnic minority educators. “Our objective is to provide a voice, advocacy, and support for students and teachers of color while raising awareness about issues of diversity, race, and culture within the Manchester Public School District,” says Grande. LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS HONORED FOR OUTREACH, COMMUNICATION Good communication is essential to keeping teachers informed about everything from professional development to local education budgets and statewide policy decisions. Each year, CEA’s Public Relations Commission recognizes local associations whose websites and newsletters keep members engaged and up to speed.

Students at Paterson School in Newington had a chance to meet pup Buddy before practicing their reading skills with him and DiNino.

BEST LOCAL ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER § 1st place: “WHEA World,” West Hartford Education Association (Joyce Bogdan, editor) § 2nd place: “SEA Change,” Stamford Education Association (Kate Tobin, editor) § 3rd place: “MEA Exchange,” Manchester Education Association (Stefanie

Grande, editor) BEST WEBSITE

§ 1st place: Manchester Education Association (Stefanie Grande, webmaster) § 2nd place: West Hartford Education Association (Shannon McNeice, webmaster) § 3rd place: NEA Danbury (Janet Sayegh, webmaster)