May-June-2020-Advisor

MAY-JUNE 2020 CEA ADVISOR 3

News Briefs

IN THIS ISSUE

New IT Hire at CEA Craig Porter is CEA’s new information technology associate, providing technical support for the association’s information systems. His responsibilities include maintaining the organization’s computer operating systems, email, databases, and servers; ensuring information security; installing computer hardware and software; troubleshooting; and providing technical support and training to staff. An experienced professional, Porter served for more than 20 years as a systems administrator for Simsbury Bank and Trust, planning and testing software, overseeing help desk technical support, implementing new technology, and assisting with disaster recovery planning. Previously, he worked for IKON Network Solutions Technology. Porter began in his new position at CEA on April 28, helping prepare the organization for its first-ever virtual Representative Assembly as well as other technology-enabled outreach and events. Summer Conference Is On—Online! Pick up best practices for interactive classrooms, get a handle on your legal rights and responsibilities as a teacher, and learn everything about virtual contract negotiations at CEA’s virtual 2020 Summer Conference. To enable as many CEA members to participate as possible, the conference will be held over a span of two weeks. From July 27 to August 1, participants will be able to view prerecorded video sessions and presentations, each lasting approximately 15-20 minutes. These may be viewed at times that are convenient for each member. The week of August 3, session trainers will hold live Q&As or interactive sessions, no longer than an hour on each topic, to encourage feedback and collaboration. At each session, members in attendance will be entered for a gift card drawing. Open to all CEA members, the virtual conference offers a great opportunity to learn from your colleagues in a relaxed atmosphere and at your own pace. Free to all CEA members, it’s one of the many ways your dues dollars work for you. Watch for more information in your inbox and at cea.org .

4

EQUITY Throughout the pandemic, CEA surveys and forums have examined existing and worsening inequities in our schools and communities and are helping inform school reopening plans. Whatever school reopening looks like, the top priority must be health and safety. With reopening guidance expected in the coming weeks, read what the State Department of Education is considering and evaluating. The transition to distance learning has had its bumps and learning curves. Read what your colleagues’ biggest challenges are and how open dialogue is helping smooth the transition. Education equity has long eluded us, but recent efforts to achieve equity and social justice—with teachers at the wheel—show fresh promise. Many communities worry about a return to school this fall without the necessary resources to combat COVID slide, help children affected by trauma, enrich academics with art and music, and provide the kind of remediation needed now more than ever. Learn how some districts beat back budget cuts and how a new CEA ad campaign is working to ensure that all communities follow suit. Hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, many communities received a helping hand from teachers who did everything from provide meals and PPE to ensure that the most vulnerable were protected. Read their stories of compassion, charity, and courage. The 172nd CEA Representative Assembly—held virtually for the first time in its history—was like no other. Read about newly elected directors, the passage of a budget, and plans for adapting to a post-pandemic education environment.

Three County Director Vacancies Announced Vacancies for one-year interim county director positions are announced in Fairfield, New London, and Tolland counties. Interested members are asked to email Mary Pat Soucy, executive assistant to the CEA president, at marypats@ cea.org . The deadline to submit notice is 5:00 p.m. on July 31, the last business day prior to the day of the election. Elections will take place on Monday, August 3, at the summer meeting of the CEA Board of Directors.

5 REOPENING

6 TRANSITIONING

7 RALLYING

8-9 FUNDING

10-11 HELPING

Hands Across the Green Golf Tournament Fundraiser Canceled— Donations Still Requested

devastating house fires, and other catastrophic events. Since its inception, CEF has disbursed hundreds of thousands of dollars to help alleviate these hardships, which are impediments to learning. Because contributions sustain the foundation and meet the needs of so many children, CEF is asking those who normally participate in the golf tournament to consider making a monetary donation this year. If you were planning to send a foursome or a larger group to the tournament, please consider donating at that level. Help is particularly needed at a time when children have been hit even harder by a health crisis that has left many parents and guardians unable to work. Whether you are a regular tournament participant or simply want to help Connecticut students in need, please consider sending a check (in any amount, made out to CEF) to Connecticut Education Foundation, 21 Oak Street, Suite 500, Hartford, CT 06106.

Due to safety concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Connecticut Education Foundation (CEF) made the difficult decision to cancel the 26th annual Hands Across the Green fundraising tournament to support The Children’s Fund. While the golf tournament is off, the need remains and is expected to be greater than ever due to the circumstances caused by the pandemic. CEF’s largest fundraiser, Hands Across the Green represents a majority of the funding collected each year for the nonprofit foundation. Established in 1991, The Children’s Fund helps students experiencing extraordinary personal hardships. Every year, CEA members ask for support for students whose basic needs cannot be met by their families—everything from clothes and shoes to eyeglasses and prescription medicine. The foundation has also helped many students, teachers, and families through serious illnesses,

12 REPRESENTING

13 RECOGNIZING

From lifting up their colleagues to serving as exemplars in their

communities, teachers and friends of education are recognized for their hard work and passion.

16 HUMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS

Teaching has often been called the noblest profession. Meet three educators who demonstrate why.

GRADUATION AND SUMMER SCHOOL GUIDANCE

Beginning July 6, graduation ceremonies (up to 150 people) and summer school classes are allowed in Connecticut, following guidelines released by the governor’s office and the State Department of Education. Specifics regarding summer school operation are available at cea.org/2020-coronavirus and include detailed guidance on physical space setup, synchronous/ asynchronous learning, bathroom protocols, personal protection, cleaning and disinfection, and transportation.

CONNECT WITH CEA

cea.org

facebook.com/ CTEdAssoc

youtube.com/ ceavideo

blogCEA.org

twitter.com/ ceanews

instagram.com/ cea_teachers

flickr.com/ photos/ceapics