ADVOCATING FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

Do you believe that reading for pleasure can change students’ lives—but struggle to find the time, resources, or support to make it a consistent part of your school day? The National Book Foundation’s Teacher Fellowship is designed for educators like you.

A number of significant changes were recently made to student loan borrowing and repayment that will affect many teachers. Join CEA member benefits partner Cambridge Credit Counseling to learn how your existing repayment plan and any new loans will be impacted.

The prolonged government shutdown this fall had wide-reaching effects on nearly every aspect of society—one of the worst of which was the lapse of SNAP benefits for tens of millions of Americans. To help those at risk of going hungry, CEA made a $1,000 donation to Foodshare and also launched a challenge.

Since 2021, the Stamford Education Association has been battling back against high school schedules that shortchange educators and students. Last night—after five years of nonstop organizing and advocacy—they prevailed.

Recent changes to federal student loan policy are threatening to shut the door on graduate education for thousands of teachers, nurses, social workers, and other essential professionals. In response, Connecticut lawmakers are advancing a state-level solution designed to preserve access to affordable financing and protect the future of the state’s public service workforce.

One year ago today, teachers and public servants secured a historic win: the repeal of the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset. When President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law, decades of advocacy paid off—ending unjust penalties and finally delivering the full Social Security benefits educators had earned and long deserved.

For proof that educators are educators for life, look no further than CEA-Retired. “You can take the teacher out of the classroom—sort of, sometimes!—but you can’t take the classroom out of the teacher,” jokes CEA-Retired President Mary-Beth Lang.

From T-shirts, coats, and sweatshirts to hats, onesies, umbrellas, travel mugs, and blankets, CEA’s swag store has something for everyone. Shop for yourself, colleagues, and family members, and feel good knowing that your purchases support the Connecticut Education Foundation.

Educators play a critical role in keeping schools safe, and an upcoming virtual session offers a timely opportunity to learn, ask questions, and be heard. Connecticut’s Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection will host virtual School Safety Office Hours tomorrow, Wednesday, December 17, at 3:30 p.m.

Teachers can always use additional financial resources to support their work, and the NEA Foundation offers three different grants to educators looking to innovate and grow.

Wind down 2025 with savings available to you as a CEA member. Check out upcoming sporting events and shows—and even save on your next ski vacation or an annual membership at a Connecticut museum.

Listen to the latest episode of CEA’s podcast to meet the CT educators who serve on the NEA Board of Directors and help shape national education policy.