Oct-Nov 2019 Advisor

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2019 CEA ADVISOR 3

News Briefs

IN THIS ISSUE

Vote November 5! Municipal elections are right around the corner, and your vote on November 5 can help ensure pro-public education candidates take office this fall. Talk to the candidates in your city or town and ask the tough questions about where they stand on public school funding, corporate-run charter schools, classroom safety, and other issues that matter to you and your students. In many districts, from Cheshire to Windsor, candidates who have made a career as public school teachers are running for office. They understand your issues and can be a great asset to you and your profession. Talk to the local education association president in your home district about pro-public education candidates on the ballot. Give those candidates the support they need to provide the support you need. New Process for Retrieving Your Member ID CEA’s members-only webpages give you access to valuable resources—such as retirement planning tools, teacher evaluation guides, and new and exclusive video of members’ Q&A with DCF officials. To access these and other member-protected resources, you must enter your unique CEA member ID

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LEADING CEA’s leadership team highlights how teachers’ advocacy in electing pro-education candidates in the last election is paying dividends today. They encourage teachers to continue electing education-friendly candidates to their local boards of education and town councils this year—and to keep up their involvement in 2020. ORGANIZING See how one local association, with help from CEA, stopped a pattern of hiring freezes for substitute teachers that left students and educators in crowded classrooms with multiple grade levels. PROTECTING State Treasurer Shawn Wooden explains how his plan for teacher pensions will bring about the retirement security Connecticut’s educators earned and deserve. Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona sits down with CEA to talk about everything from classroom safety to classroom spending. Read what he has planned and how it will impact you. Connecticut’s new DCF commissioner, Vannessa Dorantes, asks teachers, “What keeps you up at night?” In the first conversation of its kind, CEA members share their hopes and concerns—and feel heard and empowered. A story you won’t want to miss. DIVERSIFYING Ethnic Minority Affairs Commissions around the state are creating social and learning opportunities for teachers. Read about the latest events and make plans to host or attend your own. READING Read how two Connecticut teachers teaching and learning—and how one turned her passion for cultural diversity into a children’s book. Also check out CEA’s recommended reading on the power of emotional learning in children’s academic success. CEA-RETIRED Hear the message retirees shared about the importance of activism, advocacy, and staying on the front lines of strengthening public education. Treasurer Shawn Wooden and Teacher of the Year Sheena Graham weigh in with their own encouragement and stories. Would you like to represent your colleagues by serving as a county director? Learn how to become a candidate for one of several open positions. Also read about CEA’s participation in the 8th World Congress of Education International. inspired book clubs that sparked dialogue about the role of race in members, leaders, and staff took to the streets at the Eversource Hartford Marathon to benefit the Connecticut Education Foundation. There’s still time to give to a good cause. DCF Commissioner Vannessa Dorantes listens to questions and concerns from CEA members and pledges to recalibrate the DCF experience. VOLUNTEERING For the sixth year in a row, CEA

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number. Find your ID number on the membership card you received at the start of the school year—and be sure to keep your card in your wallet, as it’s also your passport to CEA discounts at numerous retailers and venues. You may also find your member ID on the mailing label of your CEA Advisor  ; check the front cover. Still can’t find it? Create a personal profile at nea.org/home/edcommunities.html. Once your profile is complete, you can retrieve your member ID anytime.

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Meet CEA’s Newest Staff Member Eric Ahrens | Web Developer & Designer

When it comes to member communications, some of CEA’s most important tools are its website and emails—and Eric Ahrens is responsible for the design and functionality of both. A graduate of Central Connecticut State University with a degree in graphic/information design, Ahrens has extensive experience creating websites, promotional tools, and email marketing campaigns. He previously worked for a digital advertising agency. Look for his handiwork in your inbox and as CEA transitions to a new member-friendly site that’s easier to search and navigate.

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Make the Holidays Brighter for Children in Need CEF’s Holiday Bear project now through December 2

Winter gloves, a LEGO set, and an inventor’s kit are at the top of one boy’s wish list. But his parents, like many others, are struggling to afford even the essentials. Fortunately, the boy has a Holiday Bear sponsor— someone who will shop for the items on his wish list and deliver them in time for the holidays. The Connecticut Education Foundation (CEF) Holiday Bear gift-giving project brings CEA members, their communities, and local businesses together to brighten the holidays for hundreds of disadvantaged public school children. “Teachers across the state have identified students whose families face challenging situations—loss of a job, a family member, or a home—and Holiday Bear provides much-needed cheer to these children and their families,” says CEA Vice President and CEF President Tom Nicholas. You can help by sponsoring a child, donating gift certificates, or making monetary donations. Gifts and donations must be delivered by Monday, December 2, to CEA headquarters in Hartford or CEA UniServ offices for distribution before the holidays.

For more information, contact CEF President TomNicholas at tomn@cea.org , or go to cea.org/cef/holiday-bear .

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Is your class participating in Holiday Bear? Email laurelk@cea.org , and we may feature your story!

14-15 REPRESENTING

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CONNECT WITH CEA

ON THE COVER

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