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SPECIAL EDITION • AUGUST 2018 CEA ADVISOR 5

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your CEA membership works for you

WAYS

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SOME OF THE HIGHEST TEACHER SALARIES AND BENEFITS IN THE NATION

A COLLECTIVE VOICE FOR CHANGE A strong, united CEA allows teachers to have a collective voice on issues that

“I taught in Arizona before coming to Connecticut. It was a right-to- work state, where teachers really didn’t have any rights. What we had were lowwages and

“We are stronger together, and organization is the key to success. There is always someone at CEA to help you.” Cindy Rohr, first - grade teacher, Redding

CEA advocates for professional pay and good benefits. Connecticut teachers earn $22,000 more than teachers in states with weak unions.

large class sizes. I tried everything to make it work— coaching, tutoring, waiting tables, working as an adjunct professor while holding down a

matter to their students, their classroom, and their profession.

CRITICAL RESOURCES TO HELP YOU IN AND OUT OF THE CLASSROOM You are never alone. CEA has valuable resources to help you succeed in your classroom, in your career, and in your teacher evaluation. The Teacher Evaluation Made Simple guide provides specific, proven strategies to help you achieve a proficient or higher rating on your evaluation. 7

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job teaching a class of anywhere from32 to 41 students. Here in Connecticut, we have a very strong union, and I feel privileged to be a part of it. It’s vitally important that teachers get involved.” Eric Bergman, Clinton social studies teacher

SECURE RETIREMENT BENEFITS CEA fights to ensure a secure retirement for

every teacher. That means protecting your retirement by ensuring the long-term solvency, stability, and benefit structure of the state teachers’ pension fund. LEGAL RESOURCES WHEN YOU NEED THEM You have the power of CEA’s legal team in your corner. CEA’s legal experts are available to members at no cost for assistance with a wide range of issues that impact your career, including DCF investigations, unfair labor practices, dismissal cases, unemployment, and workers’ comp. 3

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SAVINGS AND DISCOUNTS Through CEA Member Benefits you receive exclusive discounts on insurance, cars, appliances,

“My wife and I are both educators, and we take full advantage of the discounts offered to us as CEA

members. We save on everyday items, like groceries, and on family outings, like baseball games. The

travel, attractions, sporting events, activities, and shops across the state, making it easy to keep more of your hard-earned money.

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“Having an advocate sitting at the table is my reason for belonging to CEA, 100 percent.” Tiffany Ladson - Lang, school librarian, Bridgeport

PROTECTING YOUR FREEDOM AND RIGHTS With CEA you have a voice to

benefits of membership translate to real dollars and cents.” Glenn Spencer, Bloomfield visual arts educator

advocate for good salaries and benefits, smaller class sizes, fewer standardized tests, input into curriculum,

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COMPLIMENTARY LIABILITY PROTECTION AND LIFE INSURANCE CEA members and their

“ If you’re new to CEA, or if you’ve beenwith the same insurer for a while, I would recommend looking into CEA and NEA’s

safe buildings, and more. Protecting your rights means better working conditions for teachers and a better learning environment for our students.

families have insurance protection. NEA offers complimentary life insurance and professional liability insurance through the Educators Employment Liability (EEL) Program.

insurance programs.

Membership has savedme onmy home and auto

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

“CEA offersmini workshops and in - depth training on everything from

insurance premiums. Plus, all members receive free liability and life insurance.” Connie Konya, Stamford preK - 5 librarymedia specialist

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STRENGTH IN NUMBERS When we work together, we can achieve great things.

teacher evaluations, culturally competent schools, trauma - informed practices, Section 504, andmore. As a newer teacher, I appreciate getting the tools I need to excel at my profession.” Michael McCotter, Torrington fourth - grade teacher

CEA helps you be the best teacher you can be. CEA’s Professional Learning Academy offers free professional

When we stand together, we are more effective advocates for our students and our profession. We are stronger together.

development and learning opportunities aligned with Connecticut’s professional learning standards to improve teaching practice and enhance student learning.