may-june

CEA May - June 2018 • Volume 60, Number 6 • Published by the Connecticut Education Association • cea.org EDUCATION’S ROTTEN APPLES Anti-teacher forces trying to worm their way into public education | See pages 10-11

CCER

EDUCATION REFORM NOW

Yankee Institute

STUDENTS FOR EDUCATION REFORM

ALEC

Democrats for

Ed Reform

CONNCAN

LEADING

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THIS IS OUR MOMENT. THIS IS OUR MOVEMENT. Forty years ago, when teachers in Bridgeport stood together and went on strike, 274 of them were sent to jail. Hundreds of others stood by their jailed colleagues, marching in the streets and showing their unity and support. Because of these teachers Your advocacy has made a huge difference. We broke new ground and moved legislators to take historic action by passing Senate Bill 453, which protects teachers from student assaults and ensures that disruptive students get the supports they need to succeed. We were also instrumental in securing more ECS funding and restoring TEAM and retiree health insurance funding, but there is still much more work to be done. (See stories on page 7.)

OUR PERSPECTIVE

that evaluates legislative candidates’ voting records on issues that matter to us. Just in time for the 2018 election this fall, the report card allows you to see the true friends of education who deserve your vote. (See story on page 7.) Electing pro-education legislators is only half the battle. We are also up against dozens of reform groups, financed by corporate interests, attacking public education and teachers. Many of these groups are active right here in Connecticut and are working hard to discredit our union and divide us, in essence, trying to weaken our collective voice and our power. (See story on pages 10-11.) These corporate reform groups are behind the Janus case, trying to break public-sector unions in this country. As we await the U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Janus case, it is imperative for all members to understand that the work we do benefits not only us but our students and our communities. CEA’s Because campaign amplifies the work that locals are involved in by explaining all of the benefits of our union and encouraging members to become active in ways they feel most comfortable. (See story on page 16.) We know that strong unions are the best vehicle working people have to level the economic playing field for all Americans. In the words of “The Boss,” Bruce Springsteen, “Unions have been the only powerful and effective voice working people have ever had in the history of this country.” When we stick together—making our collective voice heard— nothing can stop us. We need to make that difference outside the classroom as well. Just as the striking Bridgeport teachers did 40 years ago, and again now, we will fight for what is right. We will not go away. We will not disappear. We will survive and thrive and stand shoulder to shoulder, heart to heart in unity, together, forever. This is our moment. Make this moment our movement. May 22, 2018

advocating together, Connecticut enacted binding arbitration, paving the way for every teacher to belong to a union and work in an environment of professional respect and dignity. Teachers’ bravery spoke volumes then, and it still speaks volumes today. The lessons learned in Bridgeport 40 years ago are empowering today’s educators across this nation to say, Enough. (See story on page 5.) Never has the message been more significant than during these tumultuous times—as teachers from West Virginia to Colorado stand in solidarity to fight for their students, their schools, and their profession. Together, tens of thousands of teachers marching through the streets in state after state, wearing red for ed, have succeeded in turning a moment into a movement. That is power. That is influence. That makes a difference. These actions—a unified voice and collective strength—have resulted in funding for public schools, long-overdue pay raises for educators, much-needed resources, and more. Our colleagues right here in Westport, Stratford, and Bridgeport have shown us the importance of stronger together. They are just a few of the recent examples of the continuing and building movement here in our state to stand up for public education and funding for our students and colleagues. (See stories on page 4.) You have been empowered to become strong advocates and to speak up and speak out loudly and clearly, not just in your locals but at the State Capitol. CEA’s Action Alerts resulted in tens of thousands of you sending emails, making phone calls, meeting with your legislators, and writing testimony.

Our combined advocacy put the face of CEA on the political map and let our adversaries know that we are a strong, united force and will not sit idly by while our “Unions have been the only powerful and effective voice working people have ever had in the history of this country.” Bruce Springsteen freedoms and our rights are attacked. Make no mistake about it—there were many anti-union bills this past legislative session that would have stripped us of our collective bargaining rights. We fought back on bills that would have denied us our rights to fair wages, a secure retirement, good health benefits and working conditions, and so much more. We know that many of these same bills will be back again, and that is why we have to continue to step up, answer the challenges, and keep moving forward, for the sake of our students, our profession, and our belief that together we can change public education for the better. With the November elections just months away, it is imperative that we stick together and support candidates who will stand up for us and who will fight for issues that make a difference for our schools, our students, and our futures. It is one of the reasons CEA has moved away from endorsements to a new report card and honor roll system

Sheila Cohen CEA President

Donald E. Williams Jr. CEA Executive Director

On a personal note As most of you know, I will be retiring this summer. As I contemplate the last few weeks of my term, I am not dwelling on the difficulties we face, the hardships we have endured, or the sacrifices we have made. Instead, I am reveling in the many ways all of you stepped up, answered the challenges, and kept moving forward for the sake of your students, your profession, and our belief that together we can change our public education for the better. Teaching is a calling. We devote our entire lives, our entire being to it. Even when faced with daunting challenges, constantly changing mandates,

frustrations that can bring us to tears, funding cuts to education, and political attacks on our profession and our union, teaching is still the best job in the world. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be the president of this remarkable Association. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart to all our leaders, members, and colleagues who have supported me and worked diligently to advocate for students and our profession. I will miss the moments I have spent with all of you, working to improve our profession and public education. My achievements are our achievements, and they would not have been possible without you. Thank you for your passion, dedication, strength, and inspiration. But mostly, I thank you for what you do each and every day. You do indeed make a difference in the lives of your students. Sheila Cohen, CEA President

MAY - JUNE 2018 CEA ADVISOR 3

IN THIS ISSUE

NEWS BRIEFS

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LEADING As teachers rise up for public education, we are reminded not only of landmark movements like the Bridgeport strike of 1978 but also of the challenges ahead—and the need to stay strong together. Retiring President Sheila Cohen reflects on her leadership, her legacy, and her hope for a bright future for public education. UNITING Mirroring the teachers’ movement across the country, Connecticut teachers are battling back against harmful cuts to public education. COMMEMORATING Hundreds—including jailed strikers— turn out to mark the anniversary of the Bridgeport Teachers Strike, a movement that turned the tide in Connecticut and that serves as an example for teachers around the nation 40 years later. MOBILIZING With midterm elections ahead, and millions of students calling on elected officials to represent them, CEA launches a voter registration drive in Connecticut high schools. Retired teachers meet with legislators on healthcare, teacher pensions, and public education. ADVOCATING CEA members, leaders, and staff score important legislative victories that protect teachers’ working environment, benefits, professional standards, and more. Ever wonder who’s behind the efforts to undermine public education in Connecticut? Our list of bad actors—hiding behind education-friendly names—includes some of the most notorious corporate reformers. dedication to human and civil rights. Also, learn about trauma-informed education, protecting against student assault, changes to Connecticut’s restraint and seclusion law, and required Holocaust and genocide awareness education in Connecticut’s social studies curriculum. HELPING CEA partnered with the Connecticut Foundation for Dental Outreach to get the word out to Connecticut children and families about a clinic offering free dental care. At the 170th CEA RA, delegates elect new leaders, adopt a new budget and business items, and honor local Associations and individuals for education and communication outreach.

New Venue, New Format for CEA Summer Conference August 6-7 | Red Lion Hotel, Cromwell cea.org/summerconference2018

This year’s conference continues its focus on organizing, working conditions, member engagement, and preparing for the outcome of the Janus decision. In addition to training on member engagement, signing up members, and action planning, participants may choose one of the following two-day workshop sessions: • Be an Advocate for Your Profession • Building Representatives/Emerging Leaders

• Grievance Processing • Organizing to Build Power • Negotiations • New Presidents Training

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Teachers to Hit the Links for Underprivileged Students Golf tournament raises funds for Connecticut schoolchildren

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The 24th annual Hands Across the Green golf tournament will be held on Monday, July 16, at the Glastonbury Hills Country Club. Organized by the Connecticut Education Foundation, CEA’s charitable arm, the tournament is CEF’s largest fundraiser of the year. All proceeds support the Children’s Fund, which provides essentials such as clothes, eyeglasses, medicine, and school supplies for children in need. Since 1994, Hands Across the Green has raised more than half a million dollars to help underserved children in public schools across the state. For more information about participating in the tournament or donating to CEF, visit cea.org/cef/hands-across-the-green .

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8-9 REPRESENTING

Notice of Vacancy for CEA Office of Treasurer Following the election at this year’s Representative Assembly, a vacancy will exist as of July 15, 2018, for the office of CEA Treasurer. Pursuant to the CEA Constitution and CEA election policies, the treasurer shall be elected by the

10-11 EXPOSING

Those active members interested in being elected to the office of CEA Treasurer should send their written notice of intent to the Administrative Assistant for the Office of CEA President, Mary-Pat Soucy, at marypats@cea.org, to be received no later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, 2018. It is anticipated that the Board of Directors will meet on July 20, 2018, and elect an interim treasurer at that time.

Board of Directors until the next annual meeting of the Representative Assembly, at which time the Assembly shall elect a successor for the unexpired term.

14-15 HUMAN & CIVIL RIGHTS NEWS CEA recognizes members for their

Get Involved in a CEA Commission or Committee CEA is your professional organization. Help shape it by serving on one of 11 CEA commissions or committees. For more information, go to cea.org/members/commissions-committees .

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The CEA Advisor is mailed to all CEA members. Annual subscription price is $7.63 (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 UPS 0129-220 (ISSN 0007-8050) is published in August, October/November, December/ January, February/March, April, May/June, and summer (online) 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, Hartford, CT 06106-8001

May - June 2018 Volume 60, Number 6 Published by Connecticut Education Association 1-800-842-4316 • 860-525-5641 • cea.org CEA Advisor CEA Advisor Staff Nancy Andrews................. Communications Director Lesia Winiarskyj.................................Managing Editor Sandra Cassineri................................Graphic Designer Laurel Killough...................... New Media Coordinator

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UNITING

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WESTPORT EDUCATORS SCORE VICTORY Teachers call for restoration of jobs, fair process in healthcare discussions

been extremely cooperative and willing to switch to the state insurance plan to save the town money—just as they had switched in 2010 and 2013 to plans that caused “enormous disruption to our members’ lives” but that saved the district “huge amounts of money.” Horrigan said, “You can imagine our shock when all nontenured teachers were told by their administrators that they would be laid off. All of these 160 best and brightest had to put on a happy face all day Friday, despite this devastating news.” WEA members did not take the threat lying down. Enough Hundreds turned out for a board of education meeting to show their disappointment with the administration’s response and to demonstrate support for one another, their students, and their schools. Scenes like this have played out in Bridgeport, Stratford, and other cities and towns where teachers are continually asked to do more with less. (See stories below.) At an April board of education meeting, Bedford Middle School teacher April Harvey, who is WEA’s secretary, explained it this way. “We’ve made concessions year after year. And now we want to know when we will see some relief. Westport teachers are simply looking for a fair premium share for our insurance. And the percent we’d be paying is still higher than that of almost all the towns participating in

Wearing red for ed, like their colleagues standing up for fair wages and education funding across the nation, 200 Westport teachers came together in a show of strength and solidarity before their town’s board of education. And their organizing efforts paid off: After threats to cut 160 teaching jobs and leave the remaining teachers with higher-than-average insurance premiums, administrators and the board walked back their heavy- handed proposals—rescinding most of the layoff notices and reducing teachers’ out-of-pocket insurance costs. “This would not have happened if teachers hadn’t stood together,” said Westport Education Association (WEA) Co-President and NEA Director John Horrigan. All give, no get When the Westport Board of Education asked teachers to join the state health insurance plan as a way of saving the town as much as $2 million to $3 million over the next year, WEA agreed and requested a modest reduction in the percentage teachers paid for health insurance. In response, the administration delivered an ultimatum and 160 nontenured teacher layoff notices—at a time when the town was poised to save millions and add a new position—that of an assistant superintendent—with a six-figure salary. Horrigan underscored the fact that WEA and its members have

Westport teachers wore red in a show of solidarity with colleagues in their district as well as in schools around the country.

the State Partnership Plan. However, the response from the Board was coercive, with the intent of dividing us by threatening the jobs of all 160 of this district’s newest teachers.” High school social studies teacher John Bengston is one of the educators whose job was on the line. Though he worried about his future and his students, he was heartened by his local Association’s swift and strong response to the situation. “WEA was out there speaking on our behalf, working for a better school climate, representing teachers and students so that all sides are winners.” Not too late to make things right Despite a generally positive, longstanding relationship with the Board, Horrigan said, WEA was being subject to “heavy-handed attempts to bully us into an agreement.” WEA Co-President Karen DeFelice agreed. “We want to be partners,” she said, “but the tactics of ‘last best offers,’ ultimatums, and surprise

layoff notices are just too much. Westport Education Association members hold steadfast against any unfair practices that affect the classroom and jeopardize students’ futures and teachers’ livelihoods.” The teachers’ decision to organize and stand together paid off. Later that week, most layoff notices were canceled, and healthcare premiums were decreased by 1.5 percent. WEA Secretary April Harvey explains a series of personal and financial sacrifices teachers have made.

STRATFORD TEACHERS FIGHT TO AVERT LAYOFFS—AND WIN

CEA Board members show their support for teachers striking in Arizona, Oklahoma, and across the U.S.

“Solving a budget crisis at the expense of children is not OK.” Bridgeport teacher Mary Krotki

At a town budget meeting in Stratford, hundreds of teachers, students, and community members made their views known by carrying signs and wearing stickers with messages such as “Cuts Hurt Kids,” “Fund Public Schools,” and “Every Student Matters. Every Teacher Matters.” At issue were $700,000 in education cuts and a proposal by the superintendent to lay off 43 teachers, including half of the district’s reading specialists, in the middle of the current school year. “Stratford officials are once again trying to solve the town’s budget problems on the backs of teachers,” said Stratford Education Association (SEA) President Michael Fiorello, calling the proposed layoffs deeply troubling. “Teachers should not be the ones continually asked to put out fires when budgetary problems ignite. We continue to do all we can for our students, we make sacrifices, we do more with less, but we can’t continue to jeopardize our education system.” “Stratford students, parents, and teachers deserve a long-term vision to ensure high-quality public education,” said SEA Vice President Kristen Record. On May 15, the district pulled back on all teacher layoffs, leaving classrooms intact. While not every organizing effort ends in a victory, efforts such as these generate media attention, public support, and eventually the momentum necessary to effect positive change for teachers, students, and public education. Your local Association and your CEA are with you every day, every step of the way.

Hours before a drastic budget measure affecting the district’s public schools was set to take effect, Bridgeport teachers held a news conference drawing attention to school officials’ refusal to hire substitute teachers—a decision that threatened to disrupt learning and jeopardize student safety. Bridgeport Education Association President and NEA Director Gary Peluchette (at podium) joined fellow BEA members in calling on administrators to reverse their decision and keep student safety and learning top priorities.

COMMEMORATING

MAY - JUNE 2018 CEA ADVISOR 5

HUNDREDS MARK ANNIVERSARY OF BRIDGEPORT TEACHERS STRIKE 40 years later, message still relevant

If you haven’t met Joe Zawawi, there’s a good chance you will. Zawawi, who started out as a What’s your primary focus? JZ: This year we’ve done a lot of ‘blitz’ organizing, where we go into a school district and, working in pairs with a teacher from the district, have conversations with teachers during their prep time about what it’s like to work in their school. These candid talks give us an idea of the challenges our members face and how we, as a union, can support them. So far we’ve had conversations with over 4,000 teachers in more than 125 schools. I have been struck by how willing teachers are to talk with us when we visit their schools, despite the fact that we’re invading their prep time. Teachers understand what we are up against as a professional association and know that the path forward requires solidarity. I think we are learning some powerful lessons from our sisters and brothers in states like West Virginia, Arizona, Oklahoma, and Kentucky. What’s your favorite thing about working for CEA? JZ: There’s a lot that I love about this job. CEA employs some of the smartest, hardest-working people I have ever been around. I love that every day is different. Hundreds of active and retired teachers, some of whom hadn’t seen each other in decades, gathered to commemorate a historic milestone— the Bridgeport teachers strike of 1978—which, for many, has brought to mind the wave of uprisings and walkouts happening across the country today. “How ironic that the timing of this 40th anniversary plays into the Supreme Court case of Janus v. AFSCME , an attack on the very people who are here today and all those we represent,” said CEA President Sheila Cohen. “How ironic, as well, that the timing is seemingly synchronized with what has been happening in West Virginia, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Arizona, and soon, North Carolina.” Seeking fair wages and better working conditions, including prep time and smaller class sizes, a total of 274 Bridgeport teachers in 1978 were handcuffed, fined, and jailed, as well as strip-searched, deloused, made to use bathroom stalls without doors, and subject to other degradations. “The Bridgeport strike was a defining moment for our union,” said Southington striker and retired teacher Robert Brown, adding, “I am honored to be in a room full of heroes—not only strikers from 1978 but also every educator here who is still teaching today.” CEA UniServ Rep, is now responsible for statewide organizing and leadership development.

Sandy Petrucelli-Carbone, one of the strikers in 1978, recalled the fear she felt as she answered the judge on the day she was sentenced. “I was scared and shaking.” After packing a small bag and saying goodbye to her students and her family, she was loaded onto a schoolbus and driven to a maximum- security prison in Niantic. En route, she remembers throngs of people gathered in the streets to cheer on the detained teachers. “People everywhere were shouting, ‘We stick together!’” Petrucelli-Carbone was one of dozens of strikers who attended the commemorative dinner in Bridgeport on May 10, recalling their experience with great emotion, pride, and the hope that what they had achieved would not soon be lost or forgotten. Some were seasoned veterans at the time of the strike; for others, it was their first day on the job. Forty years later Applauding the “spirit and courage of those teachers in the face of a truly daunting situation,” CEA Executive Director Donald Williams celebrated the fact that as a result of the strike, the Connecticut legislature passed the 1979 Teacher Collective Bargaining Act, which mandates binding arbitration when teachers and the districts they work for reach a stalemate in contract negotiations.

shoulders of the Bridgeport teachers, some of whom were jailed so that Connecticut teachers then, now, and in the future could belong to unions and work in an environment of professional respect and human dignity.” Other speakers at the commemorative dinner included Bridgeport Education Association President Gary Peluchette, Bridgeport strikers Ronald Remy and James Hodge, and the youngest strike supporter, Melanie Haslam Kolek, whose mother was three months pregnant with her in the fall of 1978. Kolek is now a CEA attorney representing teachers.

“Little did they know 40 years ago, and little do they know now, that when we are attacked, we stand together,” said Cohen. “We stand together strong, and we fight back. The lessons learned in Connecticut 40 years ago have helped embolden educators across this nation to say ‘enough’—enough of professionals having to work multiple jobs in order to make a living wage, enough of professionals having to purchase resources for their classrooms, enough of state governments eviscerating the rights of teachers and making a mockery of their well- deserved pensions and benefits. All of us here today stand upon the The first wave of arrests included Bridgeport Spanish teacher Joe Vincenzi, who was handcuffed to history teacher Andy Figlar. At the commemorative dinner, the two joined hands in solidarity and remembrance. Member engagement is vital to a strong union, says Darien Building Rep Katy Gale. When members are more engaged, she explains, they feel empowered and capable of effecting change. “My local has taken member engagement really seriously,” the fifth-grade Hindley Elementary teacher says. “We have made it a point to meet one-on-one with almost every member and really listen to them and hear about what’s important to them. Now we can move forward and develop a plan to meet everyone’s needs.” Gale describes the one-on-one conversations as “phenomenal,” because they open up the lines of communication and strengthen relationships between members and local Association leaders. She encourages other union leaders, “If you haven’t done it in your local, do it.” With so much competing for teachers’ time and attention, Gale says she makes sure her members know, “The union isn’t me. The union isn’t our CEA President Sheila Cohen. The union is all of us working together.” As a building rep, Gale makes sure teachers are informed about the issues that affect them in their school, district, town, state, and nationally. With an important election coming up this fall, Gale reminds members about the power Building Rep Says Member Engagement Is What Makes Unions Strong Meet this month’s building rep superhero, Darien’s Katy Gale

CEA President Sheila Cohen addressed active and retired teachers at a commemoration of the Bridgeport teachers strike.

Joe Zawawi, CEA Training and Organizational Development Specialist

Mostly, I love being in the schools listening to teachers. Every school has its own unique vibe. What keeps you busy when you’re not in schools? JZ: I help plan CEA’s Summer Conference, New Teacher Conference, and trainings for new local Association presidents. What did you do before CEA? JZ: After receiving my master’s degree in labor studies from UMass Amherst, I worked for AFT Connecticut starting in 1992 as a field representative. In your free time you… JZ: Hang out with the fam. I’ve been married to my wife, Michelle, for 27 years. Our son, John, is a junior at UMass Amherst, and our daughter, Ally, is a junior at Suffield High School. What were you like as a kid? Any funny memories? JZ: Sorry—I was a boring kid! Zawawi at the 2018 March for Our Lives in D.C.

they have to elect pro-public education candidates. “It’s so important for teachers to get out and vote in November because we will be electing the people who represent us and the families of the students we teach,” Gale says. She adds, “We have the power to elect people who can do right by public schools and the communities we live in. That’s on us.” If you are looking for assistance with one-on-ones or training in teacher organizing, contact your local president, CEA UniServ Representative, or CEA Training and Organizational Development Specialist Joe Zawawi.

MOBILIZING

6 CEA ADVISOR MAY - JUNE 2018

TEACHERS TO STUDENTS: YOUR VOTE MATTERS CEA helps launch voter registration drive in Connecticut high schools

CEA has proudly partnered with the Registrars of Voters Association of Connecticut (ROVAC) on a voter registration drive in Connecticut’s high schools that began May 1. The goal of the drive is to encourage students who will be 18 years of age on or before Election Day—November 6—to register to vote, and because teachers play a significant role in their students’ academic, social, and civic engagement, CEA members are a key part of the effort. High school teachers throughout the state have been distributing “Register to Vote” stickers,

produced by CEA, featuring a web address— cea.org/vote —that takes students directly to the State of Connecticut’s Online Voter Registration System. Their voice, their vote Speaking at the ROVAC spring conference on April 27, CEA President Sheila Cohen observed, “Teachers know the importance of voting, whether the election involves the budget for our local town or a national education policy in a presidential election. We also know that it often takes a few years of being out of school and working in the community before people see the

important connection between voting and what happens in their town, state, and country.” Indeed, although young people make up a large share of the voting- eligible population, they are often underrepresented at the polls. Cohen added, however, that this new generation “just might be different.” Encouraged by student activism on a variety of issues this year, she pointed out, many young people are seeing the connection between voting and empowerment. And teachers are helping facilitate that understanding. “We teach students how to think critically, stand up for themselves, and communicate with civility and persuasion,” said Cohen. “We celebrate when our students think about the world around them, find their voice, and speak out, and part of what we teach them is that voting is the cornerstone of democracy. We want students to understand that the polls can be a place to transform their hopes, dreams, and priorities into action.” Lifelong learners, voters The nonpartisan voter registration drive, led by teachers and local registrars, seeks to ensure that students become fully enfranchised citizens who make their own choice and participate in

elections on their terms. CEA Executive Director Donald Williams noted that young people who register to vote as soon as they are eligible are more likely to vote that first time—and more likely to keep voting in the future. “We hope that by working together on the voter registration drives in our schools, our efforts will result in enrolling as many new voters as possible,” Williams said. Cohen added, “We want voting to be a lifelong habit that begins when students turn 18.” Retired Simsbury teachers Susan and Michael Day, Barkhamsted’s registrar and deputy registrar of voters, are grateful for CEA’s stickers encouraging students to register to vote.

Registrars eagerly collect packets containing CEA’s “Register to Vote” stickers.

RETIRED TEACHERS’ LOBBYING EFFORTS PAY OFF Millions in healthcare funding restored

“I always tell my colleagues, ‘Never go up against retired teachers,’” Representative Matthew Lesser told a crowd of retired educators. “You guys are smart and have a lot of time on your hands.” More than 200 retired Connecticut educators converged on the Legislative Office Building for Retired Teachers’ Lobby Day in April to meet with Lesser and dozens of other elected officials about issues important to retired educators and public education. The event, which included CEA- Retired, the Association of Retired Teachers of Connecticut (ARTC), and AFT Connecticut, brought longtime educators and legislators face to face to discuss issues important to both retired and active teachers. And their activism paid off. “Those of you who went to Retired Lobby Day, who reached out to your legislators, I can’t thank you enough,” CEA Executive Director Donald Williams told members of CEA-Retired at their annual spring meeting. “You made a tremendous difference and had a big impact on the legislature this year.” How big a difference? In the budget that passed the Connecticut General Assembly, legislators designated $35 million for the Retired Teachers’ Health Insurance Fund—contributing their full share for the first time in many years. While the state is supposed to contribute one-third of the fund’s actuarially required amount (with retired teachers and active teachers each contributing one-third as well), the state has not been funding its share recently—putting the fund on

Rep. Matthew Lesser addresses over 200 retired educators at Retired Teachers’ Lobby Day.

CEA-Retired Vice President Bill Murray and CEA-Retired member Joseph Jankowski wait to talk to their legislators. public pensions. Look for candidates who are going to support us.” Legislators share concerns At Retired Teachers’ Lobby Day, Rep. Antonio Guerrera told teachers, “I am with you 110 percent. As legislators, we have dropped the ball when it comes to fully funding your retirement. Many of my colleagues now have an opportunity to put that money back where it should be.” “This is your building,” added House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz. “Share your thoughts and ideas. We do take them to heart.” Retired teachers did just that, scheduling face-to-face meetings with their lawmakers, telling their personal stories, and holding elected officials to account. Their presence made a difference. “I urge you to continue to stay in touch with your legislators,” said CEA-Retired President Gloria Brown. “When we talk to them, things happen.”

the precipice of bankruptcy. “We went from having 9 percent to 33 percent of our healthcare paid for this year—that’s a huge success,” said CEA-Retired Legislative Committee Co-Chair Myles Cohen. “Full state funding for the Retired Teachers’ Health Insurance Fund has been one of our top priorities in recent years,” Williams agreed, thanking CEA-Retired members for their hard work.

Cohen urged retired teachers to keep the conversation going and keep the pressure on. “We can’t just sit by,” he said. “We need to be more focused on voting for candidates who support our healthcare and our pensions. Whether you’re a Democrat or Republican, with the primaries coming up this August it’s essential to look at where candidates stand on our issues. There are candidates for governor who want to eliminate

More than a dozen retired educators talked to Senator Mae Flexer about their health insurance and the need to roll back the teacher tax.

ADVOCATING

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TEACHER ADVOCACY RESULTS IN MULTIPLE WINS AT THE STATE CAPITOL Protection against student assault, restored TEAM, ECS, retiree healthcare funding among big wins; more work ahead T hanks to strong lobbying and advocacy efforts from staff, leaders, and members, CEA was able to get several important bills past the goal line this legislative session. They include bills that protect educators against

student assault, maintain high teacher certification standards, safeguard teacher pensions and retiree healthcare, restore TEAM funding for new teachers, and preserve critical state dollars for our public schools. Throughout the legislative session, CEA emailed members, alerting them to key bills making their way through the General Assembly and action needed to defeat negative proposals and advance those that support public education. Members responded in force to CEA’s Action Alerts, with tens of thousands of teachers reaching out to local lawmakers and legislative leaders to explain how various bills would either help or harm their schools and to urge the best action on those bills. Communication such as this makes a difference. When legislators fail to hear from their teacher constituents, they may not understand the positive or negative effects certain legislation could have in the classroom, or they may think the issues are unimportant to teachers. Here are some key achievements this legislative session that would not have been possible without strong CEA advocacy.

study of the teachers’ retirement system to analyze alternative funding streams, including using the Connecticut Lottery to pay down the state’s unfunded liabilities, or reamortizing—that is, refinancing— the bonded debt that supports the retirement fund. The study must be completed by January 1, 2019. Retirement Fund Thousands of CEA members flexed their political muscle among state legislators in support of HB 5430, which would have reversed the one-percent increase in teachers’ retirement contributions. The bill passed out of committee with overwhelming (50-1) support. The bill died in the House without a vote, however, when the legislative session ended on May 9. CEA will continue to fight hard on rolling back the one-percent teacher tax increase. ECS and Education Funding A new formula phases in changes for allocating monies to towns from the Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant. For FY19, $88 million was added to ECS to carry out this phase-in, and most towns will have their ECS funding restored to levels similar to FY17. In addition, a measure passed that prohibits cuts to next year’s school funding—avoiding the damaging rescissions to ECS funding that the governor made during the 2017-2018 school year. Hurricane Maria Included in the state’s education funding was $2.9 million for towns that have taken in students displaced by Hurricane Maria. TEAM Teacher Education And Mentoring (TEAM), Connecticut’s nationally recognized program that supports new teachers, also received a boost when $1.5 million was restored to reinstate this critical mentoring effort. Stability of State K-12 Education Budget Starting July 1, 2018, the state cannot cut ECS funding to individual towns below the level appropriated by the legislature, regardless of the state’s budget situation. Municipal Budget Dates Without needing legislative approval, towns can now wait until after the legislature has approved funds for the upcoming fiscal year before adopting their own local budgets. BUDGET

have been successfully implemented in other states.

MINORITY TEACHER RECRUITMENT

CLASSROOM SAFETY

SB 453 (PA 18-89): An Act Concerning Classroom Safety and Disruptive Behavior ensures daily classroom safety for teachers and their students and provides supports for disruptive students. Thanks to hundreds of letters, emails, phone calls, and oral testimony, the bill passed both the House and Senate and, as of press time, awaits the governor’s signature. Daily classroom safety is defined as “…a classroom environment in which students and school employees are not physically injured by other students, school employees or parents, or exposed to such physical injury to others.” If this plan is signed by the governor, districts must have a plan in place for implementing and enforcing daily classroom safety by September 1, 2019, while certain required actions become law July 1, 2018. In summary, the new law: • Allows teachers to remove violent students from the classroom and prevents them from returning to the classroom until measures to address their behavior have been taken • Ensures administrators implement a plan for responding to violent incidents and includes teachers in crafting appropriate responses to a student’s violent actions • Ensures that parents of students who witnessed an aggressive act (and who may have experienced trauma) are notified of the incident • Requires that the local board of education be informed of each incident and annually report the number of violations to the State Department of Education • Requires schools to address violent classroom behavior and its impact on classroom learning • Prohibits discrimination and retaliation against teachers for removing violent students from their classroom Health Insurance There is good news for retirees, as the state will contribute $35 million to the retiree health insurance fund, keeping it from becoming insolvent because of years of underfunding by the state. Separately, the state will conduct a TEACHER RETIREMENT

The legislature passed SB 455 to promote minority teacher recruitment and retention. CEA staunchly opposed an earlier version of the bill that would have weakened teacher certification and introduced student test scores back into teacher evaluations. Many teachers provided expert testimony on how such a bill would undermine the teaching profession and public education in our state. CEA was instrumental in deleting many harmful parts of the original bill while proposing many more promising strategies. While the final bill is a good first step, it fails to provide resources for minority teacher recruitment or retention. In the next legislative session, CEA will continue to push for innovative ideas, many of which

BILLS DEFEATED BY CEA

Education Savings Accounts CEA successfully defeated a bill that would have required the state to do a study of Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), which are state monies given to households for their children to attend a private school and are not legal in Connecticut. Virtual Learning Studies repeatedly show virtual classrooms to be far less effective than traditional public schools. CEA successfully defeated a bill requiring the State Department of Education to conduct a feasibility study on the use and expansion of virtual learning and distance learning in Connecticut classrooms.

CEA Issues Report Cards for Legislators Teachers have the power to create change by

electing lawmakers this November who will make public education a top priority. If you’ve ever talked to your elected officials and told them you’re a teacher, you know that local

lawmakers often mention family members who are teachers too. “Both my parents were teachers.” “My wife taught for thirty years.” “Two of my kids teach.”

Most lawmakers believe they understand the challenges teachers face and say they support public education. But how well do their actions match their words? • Did they vote to roll back the one-percent teacher tax this year? • Did they demand greater protection for teachers against aggressive student behavior? • Did they uphold the standards for teacher certification that you worked so hard to achieve—or are they willing to fast-track certification for less- qualified candidates? CEA is introducing a report card and honor roll system that evaluates legislative candidates’ voting records on issues that matter to you. Just in time for the 2018 election this fall, you’ll see who’s a true ally in the fight for quality public education and whose campaign promises fell short. All Constitutional offices and all 187 Connecticut General Assembly seats will be in play this Election Day, as will five Congressional House seats, one Congressional Senate seat, and the office of governor. It’s important to fill those seats with representatives and officials who will look out for you and your students. Look for details at cea.org .

REPRESENTING

8 CEA ADVISOR MAY - JUNE 2018

ELECTION OF NEW LEADERS TAKES CENTER STAGE AT 170TH CEA REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY Jeff Leake, Tom Nicholas assume top spots I n contested races, more than 400 teacher delegates elected a new president, Jeff Leake, and vice

president, Tom Nicholas, to lead the Connecticut Education Association for the next three years. The election took place at the 170th CEA Representative Assembly (CEA RA). The president and vice president’s three-year terms begin July 15. In addition, in uncontested races, delegates elected directors to represent them on the NEA Board of Directors. Vernon teacher David Jedidian was elected NEA director, and Tara Flaherty, a teacher at Shepaug Valley School in Washington, was elected NEA director alternate. Their three-year terms begin September 1. New CEA Leaders Leake received 242 votes, to 184 votes received by challenger Robert Smoler, a math teacher and president of the Fairfield Education Association. Leake, who has been CEA vice president for the past six years as well as president of the Connecticut Education Foundation, promised to continue working hard to champion public education and the teaching profession. An ardent supporter of collective bargaining rights, which increasingly have been under fire around the country, Leake said, “Collective bargaining lifts up everyone and empowers teachers to fight for the rights of their students and public Reflecting on nearly 50 years in public education and more than two decades in official roles at CEA, outgoing President Sheila Cohen— whose term ends July 15—urged teachers to continue the fight to protect students, public education, and the teaching profession. Addressing delegates as CEA president for the sixth and final time, Cohen called this one of her most poignant days as well as one of her proudest. “Even when faced with daunting challenges, constantly changing mandates, frustrations that can bring you to tears, funding cuts to education, and political attacks on our profession and our union,” she said, “teaching is still the only job for me, and the best job in the world. From the time I first became your NEA director, in 1997, until today, I have never been afraid to take calculated risks and to be an outspoken advocate for our collective bargaining rights, our professional development, social justice issues, and our political organizing. I have been vigilant on the issue of our pensions—the benefits we were promised and have worked so hard for—so that we can retire with dignity.” Cohen spoke about issues that were front and center over the last year, including teacher certification,

Left to right: Jeff Leake and Tom Nicholas were elected as CEA’s new president and vice president beginning July 15. On September 1, David Jedidian and Tara Flaherty begin their terms as NEA director and NEA director alternate.

legislative protections for educators facing student assault, decoupling state standardized test scores from teacher evaluations, collective bargaining, and adequate, equitable education funding for towns. “We knew that education cost sharing was getting the short end of the stick, and in partnership with locals, parents, and students, CEA filed an injunction against a gubernatorial executive order. Miraculously,” she said with a wave of her hand, “more money appeared.” Crediting the thousands of CEA members who stood together on these and other issues—attending rallies, providing oral and written education. We must not forget that teachers need the right to collectively negotiate for decent, equitable pay, affordable healthcare, quality schools, and vibrant communities.” Newly elected CEA Vice President Tom Nicholas received 296 votes, to 132 votes garnered by challenger Mia Dimbo, a Bridgeport teacher and member of CEA’s Board of Directors, who ran from the floor. A Manchester school social worker, Nicholas currently serves as CEA treasurer, a post he was elected committees, and his positions have included county director, past NEA director, and local Association president. to in 2012. He also serves on numerous CEA boards and

“With all the attacks on public education,” Nicholas said, “it is crucial to continue working with legislators and the State Department

of Education to ensure adequate and equitable funding for our public schools.”

Nearly 500 teachers attended the two-day CEA Representative Assembly.

NEW BUSINESS, NEW BUDGET

COHEN REFLECTS ON CAREER AS TEACHER, EDUCATION LEADER

Delegates overwhelmingly adopted a new CEA budget of $20,948,420 for fiscal year 2018- 2019, with no increase in membership dues. They also voted in favor of a new business item that would reconstitute a Poverty Task Force, appointed by the incoming president, to propose legislation and other appropriate steps to reduce poverty and diminish its impact on students. In addition, two amendments to the constitution were passed. One clarifies the CEA Board of Directors’ role in reviewing changes to the constitution and bylaws. The other— which also passed as an amendment to the bylaws—allows amendments to come before the RA for approval or denial, without requiring the Board of Directors’ prior approval, as long as those amendments were presented to the Board. Two other amendments to the bylaws passed, while one was struck down. Passing unanimously were inclusion of a county treasurer in county Presidents’ Forums and the description of a treasurer’s duties. Delegates rejected an amendment to the bylaws that called for only voting members to be county treasurers or secretaries. Objections to the proposed language primarily centered on the fact that retired members would become ineligible to fill those posts.

testimony, and contacting their legislators—Cohen said, “All of you stepped up, answered the challenges, and kept moving forward for the sake of your students, your profession, and our belief that together we can change public education for the better. My achievements are our achievements, and they would not have been possible without you.” Cohen implored her colleagues to keep up the fight. “While we did not win every battle, we learned something from each and every one—something that helped us move forward and made us stronger for the next battle— which always comes.”

REPRESENTING

MAY - JUNE 2018 CEA ADVISOR 9

SOLIDARITY, FORWARD THINKING KEY MESSAGES AT CEA RA

LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS INDIVIDUALS HONORED FOR OUTREACH, COMMUNICATIONS Good communication is essential to keeping teachers informed about everything from professional development opportunities to what’s happening in the community and at the Capitol. Each year, CEA’s Public Relations Commission recognizes local Associations that go the extra mile in reaching out to their members through their websites and newsletters. Meet

Remembering the 10 teachers and students who lost their lives in the then-latest school shooting, at Santa Fe High School in Texas, CEA Executive Director Donald Williams noted that 22 separate school shootings have been reported so far this year in the U.S. “We cannot normalize this in our country,” he urged nearly 500 teachers gathered for the Connecticut Education Association Representative Assembly (CEA RA), the Pointing out Connecticut’s leadership on the issue of gun safety legislation in the wake of the tragedy in Newtown, he also noted the strong rights and freedoms Connecticut teachers enjoy. “We may take for granted the ability to bargain for good freedoms that teachers fought for in cities such as Bridgeport 40 years ago,” he said. But he urged CEA members to look at what is happening in other states, where teachers’ voices at the table have been taken away Association’s highest policymaking body. wages, benefits, working conditions, and the many

this year’s winners. WEBSITE AWARDS • First Place : West Hartford Education Association, Shannon McNeice • First Place – New Entry: Westport Education Association, John Horrigan • Second Place: Suffield Education Association, Mark Janick • Second Place – New Entry: Torrington Education Association, William Siss • Third Place: East Hartford Education Association, Jill McNulty • Third Place – New Entry: Waterbury Teachers Association, Raymond Santovasi NEWSLETTER AWARDS • First Place, Category 4 (301-450 members) NHEA News – North Haven Education Association, Krista Kaplan, Editor • First Place, Category 5 (locals with more than 450 members) WHEA World – West Hartford Education Association, Joyce Bogdan, Editor • Second Place, Category 5 WTA Newsletter – Waterbury Teachers Association, Raymond Santovasi, Editor THOMAS P. MONDANI CEA FRIEND

CEA Executive Director Donald Williams

and the only option is to strike, often without pay and at the risk of being jailed. “There are those who want to turn the teaching profession in Connecticut into a similar revolving door of low-paid jobs,” he said, touching on various harmful proposals that were brought before the 2018 General Assembly. “Those proposals in Connecticut were defeated, and CEA staff and members were successful at protecting teachers’ rights.” A shining example Also addressing the crowd was Missouri NEA President Charles Smith, who shared the story of his state, which has become a right-to-work state and is now, in his words, in “the worst of times.” With an upcoming vote that could overturn the decision to make Missouri a right-to-work state, Smith vowed that his association will continue to vigorously fight for students and the teaching profession. “CEA, you have been a watchtower for students and public education,” he said, urging members to “continue to make Connecticut a shining example for this nation.”

John Horrigan accepts the first- place website award for a new entry by the Westport Education Association.

OF EDUCATION AWARD Todd Ingersoll, 2018 winner

The most prestigious of CEA’s awards, the Thomas P. Mondani CEA Friend of Education Award recognizes an individual or group outside of education for outstanding efforts on behalf of teachers, students, or

Waterbury Teachers Association President Kevin Egan accepts the WTA Newsletter award on behalf of Raymond Santovasi.

public education. This year’s honor went to Todd Ingersoll, CEO and president of Ingersoll Auto of Danbury, nominated by Keli Solomon, a social studies teacher and member of the New Milford Education Association. Every month, Ingersoll donates the use of a courtesy car to one special teacher from the New Milford Public Schools, as well as a teacher from Bethel. For years, he has donated generously to Connecticut’s public school students and teachers, giving away hundreds of laptops to high schools in at least nine different towns and contributing funds for teachers to purchase classroom supplies. Ingersoll was unable to attend the awards ceremony. CEA SALUTES AWARD Emily Hulevitch, Enfield Teachers’ Association, 2018 winner This year’s CEA Salutes Award, which recognizes outstanding contributions by individuals or

Missouri NEA President Charles Smith

organizations to public education, went to Enfield first- grade teacher Emily Hulevitch, who was nominated by fellow elementary school teacher Michele Wilcox. “Emily’s desire to lend a hand wherever needed means she is frequently out in her community, giving to the soup kitchen on behalf of her local Association and serving coffee and cake to Enfield senior citizens, snow cones and cotton candy to its youngest citizens, and warm beverages to veterans at various town events,” said CEA President Sheila Cohen, presenting the award. Hulevitch has also helped organize a book drive and Family Engagement Day in Enfield, as well as purchased a library of rich early education literature and donated $200 toward the construction of a playground for young children. “Emily Hulevitch, CEA salutes you!” said Cohen.

BRIDGEPORT STRIKE REMEMBERED Bridgeport Education Association (BEA) President and NEA Director Gary Peluchette, together with BEA Vice President Ana Batista and a proud Bridgeport delegation, stood at the CEA RA to commemorate the anniversary of the teachers’ strike in that city 40 years ago this month. To a standing ovation, they presented a framed listing of the names of all 274 striking teachers who were jailed during that historic movement. It will be displayed at CEA’s Hartford office, and a copy hangs at BEA’s office as well. Surviving strikers each received their own framed copy at a commemorative dinner earlier in May. (See story, page 5.)

CEA President Sheila Cohen presents Emily Hulevitch with the CEA Salutes award.

Accepting newsletter and website awards are Mark Janick, Jill McNulty, Tom Marak (on behalf of Krista Kaplan), Joyce Bogdan, Theresa McKeown (on behalf of Shannon McNeice), and Michael McCotter and Carrie Cassady (on behalf of William Siss).