As the school year wrapped up this month, Ledyard teachers came together for an end-of-year social—an opportunity to relax, celebrate their hard work, and strengthen the bonds within their local association. One aspect of educators’ work worth celebrating is their increased activism and willingness to speak out about the heavy workload facing elementary educators that is forcing many out of the profession.
The Ledyard Education Association has been holding an end-of-year social for many years, and co-president Tiffany MacCall says this year’s event had the best attendance yet, with participation by more than half of LEA members. Held at a BBQ restaurant, Dog Watch in Mystic, MacCall says members appreciate the food, raffles, and camaraderie, and each year encourage more colleagues to come.
“It’s the perfect spot,” MacCall says. “There’s a big tent; people can mingle on the grass and play corn hole. It’s one of those events people really look forward to. During most of the year, teachers don’t have many opportunities to socialize with educators who teach in other buildings.”
MacCall says that the LEA always honors retirees at the event, recognizing them for their years of dedication to their students. This year CEA UniServ Rep Greg Perry and Affiliate Services and Member Training Director Herman Whitter were on hand and teachers appreciated the opportunity to share some of the issues they are facing with CEA staff.
“It’s also a great opportunity for members to talk with other members about more than just their jobs and converse about their lives, their kids—it’s nice.”
CEA Affiliate Services and Member Training Director Herman Whitter and UniServ Rep Greg Perry talk with Ledyard Education Association members.
MacCall, who taught elementary for many years before moving to the middle school, says that when elementary, middle, and high school teachers get a chance to connect with one another they often gain valuable perspectives on the issues they’re facing.
“Sometimes elementary teachers are nervous to say anything about the issues they face. High school teachers tell them, ‘Just say no!’ Sometimes we don’t realize how much we can fight back.”
This year MacCall has worked on bringing her elementary teacher colleagues together to organize around the increasing workload they’re facing that is driving many out of the district.
“I worked at the elementary level for 20 years, and I’ve seen how the workload has increased. This year we had the second highest resignation rate in our area. I’ve brought the issue to admin numerous times,” she said.
As workload has increased, teachers have found their planning time taken away by requests to supervise other classes. Teachers started emailing the board of education to share their stories, and this month 30 teachers turned out for the board of education meeting and many spoke during public comment.
“A teacher who is leaving the profession after just two years spoke to the board. It was so powerful to hear her speak about what she thought the job was going to be compared with what it really was.”
MacCall continued, “We’re losing really good teachers, and we’re going to continue to pursue this issue as we negotiate our new contract.”
