Summer 2019 Advisor

GOVERNING

SUMMER 2019 CEA ADVISOR 3

items, including one initiated by CEA Vice President Tom Nicholas that calls on NEA to conduct a study examining the feasibility of self- insuring the risks covered by the Educators Employment Liability insurance, a move that could save the union money while ensuring greater security for members. Nicholas also proposed an amendment to a new business item that successfully passed, calling on the government and courts to immediately end detention and criminalization of immigrant children and their families. New leadership The RA was an opportunity to introduce NEA’s incoming Executive Director Kim Anderson, who will take over for John Stocks on September 1. Anderson most recently served as executive vice president of the Democracy Alliance and previously worked for NEA for 15 years. She will be the first woman and first person of color to serve as NEA executive director. “The pursuit of education equity and excellence has always been my greatest passion,” Anderson said, “and I am committed to building on NEA’s strategic vision through collaborative partnerships with our leaders, staff, affiliates, and our many allies. Together, we’ll strengthen our culture of organizing and our commitment to be an active steward of our civic and democratic norms.” She added, “What’s in my heart is what’s in yours: a love of the students we serve, and the responsibility we share to instill the values of democracy and equal opportunity in order to model in our schools what a just society should look like.” Embracing diversity National Teacher of the Year Rodney Robinson, a social studies teacher in a school inside the Richmond Juvenile Detention Center in Virginia, addressed delegates and made an impassioned plea for diversity, inclusion, and greater educational opportunities for our most vulnerable students. “A one-size-fits-all model of equality does not work in education and education funding,” Robinson said. “Equity ensures that the students suffering from multi- generational poverty receive the same resources and education as those born with a silver spoon in their mouths.”

The NEA-Danbury delegation to the NEA RA enjoys a fun photo op.

Danbury teacher Luanelly Iglesias at the 2019 NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards ceremony with former NEA President Bob Chase and CEA Vice President Tom Nicholas. Watch a video about Iglesias here.

He added, “All students deserve teachers and role models who appreciate and understand the unique gifts they bring to the table no matter their race, religion, gender status, or sexual orientation. We need more teachers of color in America because everyone—and I mean everyone—benefits from diversity.” Connecticut educator Luanelly Iglesias, a bilingual teacher at Danbury’s Rogers Park Middle School, was also honored on the national stage as the recipient of the George I. Sanchez Memorial Award

during the 2019 NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards ceremony at the NEA RA. “Throughout her career, Luanelly has been a tireless champion for her students, creating a bilingual program for those recently arriving in the United States,” said CEA President Jeff Leake. “Her efforts in the school community through family engagement continue to provide

students the opportunity to have pride in their Hispanic heritage. The cultural exchanges that Luanelly brings to the classroom and the school community teach students the importance of honoring the past, embracing their culture and language, and working hard toward a bright future.”

Branford Education Association Vice President Jeff Rizzo is part of the Connecticut delegation.

CEA’s hard-working Resolutions Committee articulates the Association’s core beliefs and positions.

Waterbury Teachers’ Association member Ali Damon Kirchberger channels her inner Rosie the Riveter.

Windsor Education Association members Dewayne Williams and Stacey Paley meet with NEA President Lily Eskelsen García.

Following the presidential forum, Bridgeport Education Association Vice President Ana Batista had the opportunity to speak with Senator Elizabeth Warren.