This Thanksgiving teachers deserve our utmost thanks for all you are doing to educate Connecticut children during the pandemic. You are working long hours, worried for your own health and that of your students and family, teaching in-person, remote, and often both simultaneously–a practice that CEA is urging be phased out. We wish, as you all do, that this year could be different.
We hope that this Thanksgiving break gives you time to connect safely with family and loved ones. You deserve an opportunity to rest and relax.
When you return to teaching after Thanksgiving, if your district can’t follow safety protocols for schools and be transparent about reporting and responding to COVID-19 cases, your district should switch to remote learning. If you haven’t yet done so, please sign our petition.
We want to say a special thank you to all the local presidents and other local leaders who have stepped up to the plate this year, and, despite packed schedules and long teaching days, have navigated schools going fully remote in March, reopening plans over the summer, travel restrictions, CARES Act leave, HVAC issues, teachers in quarantine, schools that are now going fully remote, and so much more. Our local presidents respond to emails and phone calls early in the morning and late at night, always working hard on your behalf. Please join us in thanking your local leaders for their advocacy on behalf of us all and their dedication to the work of the union.
Thank you also to our CEA staff who have worked tirelessly with local leaders to plan, problem solve, and find solutions to the issues our members have faced. This year has been full of challenges, yet our staff has persevered. Their work is greatly appreciated.
We will continue to advocate for you and ensure health and safety are the top priorities in our schools.
Wishing you a safe and happy Thanksgiving,
Jeff Leake, CEA President
Tom Nicholas, CEA Vice President
Stephanie Wanzer, CEA Secretary
David Jedidian, CEA Treasurer
Don Williams, CEA Executive Director
