ADVOCATING FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

As a member of a CEA commission or committee, you can share your ideas, work with other members from around the state, and help shape the Association for years to come.

Just four years ago Farmington voters resoundingly defeated a proposal for a new high school, but thanks to the advocacy of educators, students, and parents, last week the town voted two to one to replace the aging building.

Even though the budget the Connecticut General Assembly is expected to pass before the close of the legislative session tomorrow does not include many of the investments they’d been advocating for, Recovery for All Coalition members are vowing to keep up the fight.

As June 9 approaches and the end of the legislative session nears, members of the Recovery for All coalition—which includes CEA—gathered at the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building to send the governor and lawmakers a message: invest fully and equitably in Connecticut’s communities.

Thanks to CEA’s continued advocacy and close collaboration with other stakeholder groups, the Connecticut State Department of Education has allowed greater flexibility in teacher evaluations for the 2021-2022 school year.

There is an interim opening for an NEA Director Alternate to be seated on the CEA Board of Directors. Any members interested in being nominated must notify the Office of the CEA President by July 30.

Teachers had a unique opportunity to brainstorm the resources students need most and set the direction for an influx of federal dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Connecticut 2019 Teacher of the Year Sheena Graham joined legislators, homecare workers, childcare workers, and others at a press conference calling on the state to make long-term investments in education, health care, housing, labor protections, jobs, workforce development, and municipal aid.

Between June and August this year, NEA is holding virtual engagements designed to deepen knowledge, build connections, and create a country that is free, safe, and just for every man, woman, and child.