May-June Advisor 2021 web

2 CEA ADVISOR MAY – JUNE 2021

LEADING

Leading: Our Perspective

Unbelievable. Unprecedented. Chaotic. Unthinkable. These are some of the words being used to describe the COVID-19 crisis we have all lived through for the past 14 months. It will be characterized in history by the pain and suffering, the hundreds of thousands of lives lost, and the level of disruption, hardship, and challenges we faced. The impact on our students who have been hit especially hard has been severe, but the

children—and low-income families face obstacles that include hunger, poverty, and eviction from their homes. We know our students would be more successful if they didn’t struggle with food insecurity, unstable housing, lack of healthcare, and other problems that can greatly affect learning. CEA along with Recovery for All, a coalition of unions and community organizations, has rightly ignited calls for dramatic investments in our students and in all our

Jeff Leake, CEA President

Paving the way for a brighter future

impact on educators can’t be underestimated, as they did what they always do and put their students first, even before themselves and in many instances before their own families. (See stories on pages 4-5.) As we turn the page on this difficult period, it’s time to contemplate all we’ve been through this past year and how to move forward. We know we have a big task ahead in determining what will be necessary to get our students on track academically and address their emotional and mental health needs. Our students have been scared and traumatized and have had their world turned upside down. You have been one of the few constants in their lives, and we know as we move forward, we will require more resources to meet students’ growing needs and pave the way for a brighter future for Connecticut’s public schools. More resources, more support, more counselors, more of everything. The resources from the American Rescue Plan, the federal relief package signed into law by President Biden in March, will help provide funding to address our students’ needs. The $1 billion in federal funds coming to Connecticut schools provides us with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to improve education and finally eliminate the inequities in our school districts. It is a chance to focus on the mental health and well-being of our students as well as safety and air quality in our schools. Local school districts with support from unions will decide how best to use the funds, and teachers must be part of the decision-making process and educate leaders about resources most desperately needed. Our students are counting on all of us to allocate the American Rescue Plan funding in the best possible way, and it’s vital that you share your ideas about where federal dollars can make the biggest difference in your schools. (See story on page 9.) This historic investment also supports families and includes a child tax credit and childcare assistance aimed at lifting up our nation’s children,

communities. Rallies held across the state called attention to the need for policymakers to commit to long-term change beyond the Band-Aid approach. We are grateful to so many of you who are sending emails to your legislators and attending rallies across the state, at the governor’s mansion and the State Capitol, and putting pressure on policymakers to ensure all students and their families have equitable opportunities to succeed. We are all partners in deciding our direction, and we must continue to advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equity. (See story, pages 10-11.) You persevered through the pandemic, and while we are close to a new normal, much work remains. While we have had many victories, including the announcement from the state that they are not mandating remote learning in the next school year, there are still issues that need to be addressed, including ending the unsustainable practice of dual teaching. (See stories on pages 6-7.) As legislators enter the final days of the legislative session, we need to increase our advocacy efforts and continue reaching out and sharing our stories about why the delivery of instruction simultaneously to remote and in-person students by one teacher is a losing proposition for all students. In this most difficult year, we want to thank you, our educators and members. You have been essential, and essential professionals, in a time of great

Tom Nicholas, CEA Vice President

Donald E. Williams Jr. CEA Executive Director

CEA GOVERNANCE Jeff Leake • President Tom Nicholas • Vice President

Stephanie Wanzer • Secretary David Jedidian • Treasurer

Tara Flaherty • NEA Director Katy Gale • NEA Director

CEA ADVISOR STAFF Nancy Andrews • Communications Director Lesia Day • Managing Editor Sandra Cassineri • Graphic Designer Laurel Killough • New Media Coordinator Eric Ahrens • Web Designer and Developer May - June 2021 Volume 63, Number 6 Published by Connecticut Education Association 1-800-842-4316 • 860-525-5641 cea.org CEA Advisor The CEA Advisor is mailed to all CEA members. Annual subscription price is $5.72 (included in membership dues and available only as part of membership). Institutional subscription price: $25.00. Advertising in the CEA Advisor is screened, but the publishing of any advertisement does not imply CEA endorsement of the product, service, or views expressed. CEA Advisor USPS 0129-220 (ISSN 0007-8050) is published in August (regular and special editions), October/November, December/January, February/ March, April (regular and special editions), May/June, and summer by the Connecticut Education Association, Capitol Place, Suite 500, 21 Oak Street, Hartford, CT 06106-8001, 860-525-5641. Periodicals postage paid at Hartford, Connecticut. Postmaster: Send address changes to CEA Advisor , Connecticut Education Association, Capitol Place, Suite 500, 21 Oak Street,

uncertainty and disruption. Despite feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, you rose above it all to provide educational continuity. We’ve never been prouder to be in your corner. A recent NPR story characterized the exhaustion and fatigue that many of us are feeling as “brain fog”—a complication caused by the pandemic and the related stress, anxiety, and emotional marathon brought on by the crisis. So, let’s give the fog time to lift and allow the bounce to return to our steps, as the school year comes to a close and we resume some normalcy in our lives, paving the way for a brighter future. You have gone above and beyond and have shown that you are outstanding educators. If this were a marathon, we would be at the last mile. We can finish strong. We are stronger together. May 17, 2021

particularly those living in poverty. Connecticut Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro has been advocating for the expanded child tax credit for decades, and her unwavering commitment to children, educators, and public schools earned her CEA’s most prestigious award. (See story, page 15.) The American Rescue Plan is a giant step toward creating an equitable nation, but more must be done, especially in Connecticut, one of the wealthiest states in the country. Despite hosting large numbers of millionaires and billionaires, the fact is, a sizable number of students—especially Black and brown

Hartford, CT 06106-8001. Production date: 5-20-2021