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If you’re planning to vote in person or haven’t filled out your absentee ballot yet, remember to check out CEA’s Legislator Report Card and District Comparison to see how the candidates running in your area stand on issues related to public education. 

“We want to hear from you about the challenges you face and any possible solutions,” CEA President Jeff Leake told members who joined a Zoom listening forum yesterday. Additional CEA forums are being held Tuesday and Wednesday so CEA members can give voice to the issues they are facing in their districts.

Keeping a finger on the pulse of public education is important, especially during a pandemic when so much is changing so quickly and new expectations are being heaped on teachers.

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, CEA-Retired members are still meeting, volunteering, and staying engaged—virtually. At the CEA-Retired Annual Fall Conference yesterday nearly 200 retirees joined a Zoom call to hear the latest on politics, pensions, and public education.

CEA’s efforts to diversify the teaching profession are receiving national attention via an NEA Today article that features Bridgeport teachers and discusses CEA’s recent campaign to interest young people in teaching careers.

Many educators don’t have the resources they need, and when job demands become unsustainable, the result is anxiety, stress, and eventually burnout. We need to hear directly from you regarding what’s working and what’s not.

NEA’s Auto & Home Insurance Program, provided by California Casualty, is offering a two-month holiday skip-payment option perfect for this time of year. Make the holidays easier on your wallet by taking advantage of this option. You can designate the two months you’d like to free up your money during the holidays. If you are already…

Why is it so important to get out and vote? “We must stand together as educators and continue to advocate for a strong system and better resources all around,” says Waterbury teacher Sabrina Del Negro.

Best practices for keeping virtual class meetings safe from Zoombombing attacks.

CEA Vice President Tom Nicholas shared what teachers are going through this school year during a meeting focused on the trauma associated with learning and teaching during the pandemic and the need for more to be done to support schools.

The CEA Professional Learning Academy offers a wealth of professional development opportunities, aligned with Connecticut’s professional learning standards, to help improve teaching practice and enhance student learning. New workshops are added frequently and are now being offered virtually.

The October/November CEA Advisor is now online. Watch for it in your mailbox in the next few days, and don’t miss these and other stories in our special two-part Back-to-School and Election edition.

Poquonock School kindergarten teacher named Connecticut’s 2021 Teacher of the Year.

Stand with us and keep us safe. That was the message Windsor Locks teachers sent to Board of Education members last night, calling on them to take the necessary steps to ensure school safety. Windsor Locks Teachers’ Association President Brian Deming said the board is not listening to teachers’ concerns and has repeatedly refused to…

CEA is setting up virtual meetings between CEA members and their legislators. Talk to your local leaders to set up a meeting in your district.

New Survey Highlights Inequities in Student Educational Opportunities and Critical Resources That Risk Safety and Learning in State’s Lowest-Performing School Districts

Learn more about discounts on items you buy and use every day at the CEA Member Benefits Virtual Vendor Fair this Thursday, October 8—plus, check out highlighted NEA Member Benefits offers for October.

CEA has joined with a coalition of labor unions to run a television and digital ad campaign calling for a state budget that focuses on helping working and middle class people recover from the impacts of the pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic teachers have numerous questions about quarantine, the Americans with Disabilities Act, how schools should handle those who test positive for COVID-19, and more. CEA attorneys answer your questions in a series of webinars.

Tell the governor to issue an Executive Order so teachers placed in quarantine receive paid quarantine leave and don’t have to use their own sick days.

CEA’s virtual comprehensive workshops on understanding and planning your retirement will cover all issues related to the State Teachers’ Retirement System, such as retirement eligibility, purchasing additional service, how Social Security may be affected, retiree health insurance, and choosing a retirement plan.

Your 2020-21 CEA membership card has recently arrived or will soon be arriving in your mailbox.

Teachers who already worked long hours are working harder and longer hours than ever before during this unprecedented school year—which is why CEA and AFT Connecticut worked successfully with the State Department of Education to provide teachers with flexibility when it comes to teacher evaluation.

Join the CEA Member Benefits Virtual Vendor Fair on October 8 to explore special offers and score savings. Hear about discounts on items you buy and use every day.

Guide measures legislators’ support for public education; honor roll distinction awarded to education champions

Darien Education Association members were out in force to let their community know they have serious concerns about a full reopening of schools in a district whose neighbors are experiencing growing numbers of COVID cases.

Find out how to register to vote in Connecticut, and how to vote by absentee ballot this year if you so choose.

A new, free course from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence aims to help educators care for their own well-being so they can better support their students.

We at CEA send healing wishes to Congresswoman Jahana Hayes and her staff who have tested positive for COVID-19.

CEA honors the legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsberg, who fought for equality and fairness for working women and men.

Large-scale disasters cause tremendous devastation and strife for NEA members and their families. If you would like to help, please consider making a donation to the NEA Oregon Wildfires Relief Fund and/or the NEA Hurricane Laura Relief Fund.

Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage month with these lessons, activities, videos, and more.

State mandate, transparency, and open communication must guide local and regional districts to keep everyone safe.

Join NEA Member Benefits partner California Casualty in its effort to stop distracted driving, and enter for a chance to get home safely in a new 2020 Jeep Compass.

NEA Member Benefits offers NEA members two free magazine subscriptions per year. Choose from a variety of popular, iconic titles brought to you by the NEA Magazine Service.

Like many educators, New Milford teacher Dr. David Mirto is worried about how the return to school might impact his family and his own health.

Most Connecticut students are now back in school, but reopening has not gone smoothly in all districts. Four districts have already been forced to close schools because of COVID-19 cases, and many more have students and staff members who are currently quarantined.

A free, confidential hotline is available to help teachers manage stress and anxiety during the coronavirus crisis. Get connected to a trained professional for immediate assistance.

As an NEA member you can save on everything from an iPad to flowers to a new or used car. Remember to check out the deals and discounts available to you this September and every month.

“These are hard, difficult times we’re in,” State Rep. Robert Sanchez told his colleagues on the legislature’s Education Committee. “I hope we see all children going back to school in the next couple of weeks and there are no spikes, but we’ll see what happens.”

Some students are returning to Connecticut schools this week, others go back next week—Litchfield students were among the first in the state and headed back to school last Wednesday.

This back-to-school season is challenging for all educators, but it can pose specific hardships for those at the beginning of their careers. That’s why NEA has created resources to support new educators at the beginning of the school year and beyond. Check out the podcast, video, blog posts, webinars, and more—or share them with your…

The NEA Auto & Home Insurance Program by California Casualty saves members an average of $423 a year. Each policy includes educator specific benefits, free ID theft protection, pet injury coverage, and exclusive member-only rates.

In this back-to-school video message, CEA leaders explain the importance of continuing to speak out for safe schools.

“We cannot guarantee the safety of our students or our teachers when schools reopen next week,” Mike Archambault, East Haven Education Association Vice President told the members of the East Haven Board of Education last night.

The moratorium on federal student loan payments will continue automatically through December 31, without penalties or the accrual of interest. In addition, federal borrowers will receive credit toward Public Service Loan Forgiveness and loans in the federal rehab process without having to make a payment. As with the original relief package, the president’s order does not affect private student loans. 

Send an email to the governor and commissioner to share your concerns about school reopening.

Support core principals aligned with CEA recommendations Read the unions’ 13 reopening standards Read CEA’s Safe Learning Plan and Updated Recommendations Watch News Conference Unions across the state have joined together calling for reopening schools in person only if districts can guarantee that physical safety protocols can be met to keep students, teachers, and staff…

When the Region 12 Board of Education held a meeting earlier this week to vote on the district’s reopening plan, teachers showed up in force.

Connecticut’s 2019 Teacher of the Year Sheena Graham, a Bridgeport music teacher, joined teachers from New York and New Jersey on CBS This Morning to share concerns about schools’ ability to manage the coronavirus spread.

Cars dropped off backpacks filled with crayons, markers, notebooks, pencils, glue sticks, erasers, tissues, hand sanitizers, and dozens of other items students and teachers will need when they go back to school during a supply drive spearheaded by iHeart radio personality Renee DiNino.

Sometimes opportunities disguise themselves as obstacles, said one of the nearly 70 participants in a virtual training for teacher leaders. The topic was equity in education, and the question was how to achieve it.

CEA is teaming up with our colleagues at AFT Connecticut in support of a Teacher and Student School Supply Drive sponsored by iHeartMedia Connecticut’s Community Access program.

Remember to check out the deals available from NEA Member Benefits for savings on everything from appliances to computers to cell phone plans.

Are you considering buying a home? If you’re a first time home buyer, check to see whether you qualify for the Connecticut Teachers Mortgage Assistance Program. The Teachers Mortgage Assistance Program offers home loans at below-market interest rates to Connecticut public school teachers. To be eligible for the program, you must be employed as a…

“Governor Lamont’s announcement of an additional $166 million to support school reopening plans is welcome news for educators and parents across the state. It demonstrates that the collective voices of teachers, support staff and communities during last week’s car caravans across Connecticut were heard. “Now is the time to also provide clear, updated safety guidelines…

In collaboration with the Connecticut State Department of Education and public education advocates the Center for Public Research and Leadership at Columbia University has developed guidance to support districts in creating equitable, high-quality, and culturally responsive and sustaining remote learning available to all children, no matter what their home situation and their education and language needs.…

CEA and AFT Connecticut organized a meeting between the governor and teachers and were pleased that the governor responded to teachers’ concerns regarding the need for safety, equity, funding, and flexibility.

Across the state, students, parents, and community members joined School Safety First Car Caravans to demand safe school reopening plans.

More than 70 CEA members who are local leaders in their associations joined a virtual meeting with U.S. Senator Chris Murphy this week to hear congressional plans and challenges when it comes to school reopening.

Join NEA for a virtual town hall to discuss how parents, educators, students, and communities can advocate for the safe reopening of public schools, facilities, and campuses.

Hundreds turned out for a community march for students, teachers, and families—Black Lives Matter in Bloomfield Schools—organized by Carmen Arace Intermediate School fifth grade teacher Mary Kay Rendock and her colleagues throughout the district.

Districts around Connecticut are preparing to send their reopening plans to the State Department of Education by tomorrow’s deadline, but how those plans have been developed and the provisions they contain vary widely by district.

Join your colleagues in Hartford or at one of the simultaneous rallies being held in towns across the state and send a strong message to the governor that safe schools save lives and any school reopening must focus on safety, equity, and funding. WHO: All educators, staff, parents, students, and others supporting a safe school…

Recent NEA webinars covered a lot of ground, including CDC guidance on how to reopen for in-person instruction and when to reclose, accommodations for high-risk groups, federal leave laws, waivers, health and safety committees, and bargaining for the common good to protect school communities during a global pandemic. Find out more and watch the webinar here.…

While we appreciate Governor Lamont’s pledge of “safety first” for our students and schools and his word that he will “have teachers’ backs” when it comes to masks, sanitizing, and social distancing, local districts need assurance that state funding will be provided for virus-related expenses.

This week is your last chance! Enter to win $2,500 to put toward teaching supplies and school-related items courtesy of California Casualty, the NEA Auto & Home Insurance provider. The contest ends July 17. Realizing that every dollar counts when it comes to educating children, California Casualty created the $2,500 Academic Award to offset the amount NEA…

The State Board of Education today voted to offer a waiver to Connecticut school districts for three of the 180 days usually required by state statute. Those three days could instead be used at the start of the school year for additional PD for staff, classroom set-up for educators, to provide social emotional services or…

All CEA members should be on the lookout for a survey that is being emailed to you today or tomorrow by CEA President Jeff Leake. CEA and NEA are conducting a representative and scientific survey of CEA members because we want to hear your concerns regarding the state’s reopening plan.  Be part of the conversation.…

During a webinar today State Department of Education (SDE) officials, joined by Governor Ned Lamont and Acting Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Deidre Gifford, answered questions submitted by educators and parents on a range of topics that included many health and safety concerns. While today’s webinar was a step toward answering teachers’ and parents’…

The election this November 3 will be as important as any before it for students and teachers. Elections for federal and state positions will have wide-reaching impacts on everything from keeping our schools safe during the pandemic, to education funding, to involving educators in the decision making processes. For the first time ever in Connecticut,…

NEA’s Office of General Counsel and Collective Bargaining and Member Advocacy teams will host a webinar about returning to in-person instruction this Friday, July 17, at 3 p.m.

This year’s National Education Association Representative Assembly, themed Our Democracy; Our Responsibility; Our time was unlike any other, as more than 7,000 delegates logged in virtually to conduct the organization’s business.

Teachers have numerous concerns about Connecticut’s plan for school reopening, and CEA leaders are talking with members daily and working on ways to make sure these issues are addressed.

A new bill introduced by U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Chuck Schumer would be an important move toward allowing schools to open safely this fall. The Coronavirus Child Care and Education Relief Act includes $175 billion for K-12 schools, $12 billion for special education, and $4 billion for the E-Rate program to narrow the digital…

The U.S. Supreme Court today handed a victory to those seeking to divert money away from public schools and expand voucher programs. In a 5-4 decision, the Court ruled that Montana must reinstate a voucher program and allow parents to use their vouchers at religious as well as secular private schools. “Let’s be clear about…

Teachers are concerned about a plan to return to school in the fall that doesn’t include testing or screening of staff and students, limits on class sizes, or provisions to ensure social distancing. Since the plan was released yesterday, many CEA members have been speaking out and sharing their concerns with Connecticut media outlets. “There…

At a press conference this afternoon Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona announced reopening guidelines for schools that raise many questions and concerns for educators and parents. The guidelines include no class size caps, staggered schedules, or requirements for COVID-19 testing. “The reopen plan that we’re asking all districts to complete must include…

A landmark court decision is likely to have a significant impact on the state’s special education student population and a financial impact for school districts. Earlier this month a federal district court ruled that, consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Connecticut school districts must offer a free, appropriate, public education to special…

Thousands of educators around the country last week joined a tele-town hall on education equity and safe school reopening. Organized by the National Education Association and moderated by award-winning reporter and C-SPAN host Jesse Holland, the event featured a live Q&A with NEA Vice President Becky Pringle and NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “Despite…

The death of George Floyd and those of other African Americans as well as the inequities some of their students face weigh heavily on the minds of many educators. To show their support for their students and community the East Hartford Education Association Ethnic Minority Affairs Commission is organizing a peaceful rally and march this…

Simple acupressure techniques can help eliminate or reduce stress. Learn a few easy activities you can use and teach your students. Watch this week’s CEA Mindful Moment video.

This series of short videos from CEA Teacher Development Specialist Kate Field illustrates how mindfulness can enhance the overall well being of students and teachers. This week’s video is about the mindfulness lessons birds can teach us.

Teachers are rising to the challenge and educating their students in the most extraordinary circumstances.

Connecticut’s elected officials, health experts, education stakeholders, and others agree that when school resumes this fall, it is unlikely to look like school pre-COVID. Safeguards will need to be in place to protect students and staff against exposure to a virus that has no available vaccine and is still not well-understood. Protocol will need to…

A virtual forum hosted by CEA brought elementary school classroom teachers, special education teachers, media specialists, literacy coaches, school social workers, and others together to share tips, tricks, and challenges—and a few laughs—related to distance learning. Among the hurdles teachers reported: “Different schools and districts are comparing themselves to each other, but we don’t all…

Teachers are working tirelessly to provide distance learning during an unprecedented pandemic and are keeping students engaged and learning while providing a slice of normalcy and stability for them and their families. When schools reopen, students will need additional supports to catch up and deal with the trauma caused by the pandemic. Now is not…

Are you holding on to anger or resentment? They could be causing you undue anxiety and stress. Watch this week’s CEA Mindful Moment video, and learn activities to help you let go and enhance your well-being.

On a regular Saturday, the parking lot at Victoria Soto Elementary School in Stratford’s south end sees some 150 families come through for a monthly food pickup from the Connecticut Food Bank. Lately, however, those numbers have nearly doubled. And the same teachers who have spent the first Saturday of every month this school year…

When Brookfield High School science teacher Heather Biancheri learned of the impact COVID-19 was having on members of her community, she did what many fellow educators around the state began doing: helping those most vulnerable with food delivery and more. “I began volunteering to deliver food each week to senior citizens to keep at-risk people…

Learn how taking a few minutes for gratitude meditation can increase positive feelings. Giving yourself regular reminders of what you’re most grateful for can have a powerful impact on your body and mind. Find out more by watching this week’s CEA Mindful Moment video.

During these challenging times teachers are going above and beyond to learn new skills to reach their students. Watch CEA members from around Connecticut describe teachers’ role during this health emergency.

The aid package the U.S. House passed this afternoon and President Trump has now signed into law includes $13.5 billion in dedicated aid for K-12 schools and billions more for child care and nutrition services. Among the elements of the bill are: Immediate stimulus checks for most households—up to $1,200 per person and $500 per…

In a press conference this afternoon Governor Ned Lamont announced that the earliest Connecticut schools will be allowed to re-open is April 20. To support students who are out of school for an extended time, the governor said that the state is working to get laptops and internet access for more children. The Partnership for…

As the threat of coronavirus disease spreads, CEA is working with Governor Ned Lamont, State Department of Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona, and others to ensure that Connecticut’s public schools are prepared. “We must be proactive about ensuring the health and safety of our students, teachers, and school communities,” said CEA President Jeff Leake. “CEA is…

Future Educators of Diversity were at the top of the agenda at West Hartford’s Board of Education meeting this month, where the Board and community members learned about the organization’s mission, achievements, and planned activities. Future Educators of Diversity was piloted in West Hartford, where it has grown and is very active. Since then, similar…

The 2020 session of the Connecticut General Assembly begins tomorrow. Though it’s a short session (three months compared to the five the legislature meets in odd-numbered years), it’s sure to be packed with many issues for lawmakers to tackle. Stay up to date on all the education-related happenings at the legislature this session by subscribing…

CEA President Jeff Leake, Vice President Tom Nicholas, Secretary Stephanie Wanzer, and Treasurer David Jedidan—and all of us at CEA—wish you happy holidays and a wonderful 2020.

Keeping a finger on the pulse of public education in Connecticut is important—especially now, with so many expectations being made of teachers and our profession. It’s never been more important to stay up-to-date with your union and all the latest education news affecting Connecticut teachers. Here at BlogCEA we want to make sure you as…

Summer’s here and the time is right for … financial planning? That’s right. For educators who are busy during the school year, there may not be another opportunity to do so. And before you know it you’ll be back in the classroom. So consider following these steps from NEA Member Benefits to ensure you’re on…

NEA Member Benefits is offering NEA members a chance to win $5,000 cash to reward you for your dedication and help you further your own educational pursuits. Now through August 31, 2019, you can enter each month. If you’re the lucky $5,000 winner, you could choose to fund professional development courses for yourself, cover some…

History of the Stars & Stripes Flag Day Celebrated A brief description of Flag Day for students in grades K-5 with images and audio files. Today in History: June 14th: Flag Day Text, images, songs, and links to additional resources for grades 6-12. Our Flag ( PDF, 11.4 MB, 56 pgs.) A background resource with history…

DUE Justice, a coalition of organizations demanding a fair, just, and moral budget, came together for a rally at the State Capitol this afternoon. The coalition, which includes CEA and AFT Connecticut, is asking the governor and legislators to pass a budget that fully funds neighborhood public schools, makes housing and healthcare affordable, protects vital…

Connecticut high school students showed off their computing chops at a legislative reception honoring the winners of the Congressional App Challenge. The event—in which winners from each of the state’s five congressional districts exhibited their work at the State Capitol and demonstrated for legislative leaders what’s happening with computer science education in their schools—was hosted…

The 171st CEA Representative Assembly continued Saturday morning, with nearly 400 delegates—teachers from every part of the state—in attendance. Addressing delegates as CEA president for the first time, veteran Cheshire teacher Jeff Leake urged teachers to continue the fight to protect students, public education, and the teaching profession; combat social and racial injustice; and grow,…

Nearly 400 teachers gathered at the Mohegan Sun Expo and Convention Center last night to begin setting policy and electing new leaders at the 171st Connecticut Education Association Representative Assembly (CEA RA). The CEA RA is the Association’s highest policymaking body. CEA President Jeff Leake opened with a warm acknowledgement of teachers’ hard work and…

Nearly 40 educators met and mingled at the first-ever Hartford Regional Ethnic Minority Teacher Social hosted by CEA on Monday. The event was an opportunity for teachers of color to network, discuss ways of diversifying a predominantly white teaching force in Connecticut, and explore avenues for becoming more involved at all levels of the union—from…

CEA is developing and supporting a number of initiatives—from public policy to practice—to ensure that Connecticut’s teaching force better reflects the diversity of its student population. Lisa Cordova, president of the CREC Education Association, testified this morning before members of the State Board of Education about one such initiative—created by CREC—that is aimed at recruiting,…

In an overwhelming turnout for Retired Teachers Lobby Day, hundreds of former Connecticut educators gathered at the Legislative Office Building this morning to meet with their elected officials about issues critical to public education and the teaching profession. Among the biggest of these are funding teacher pensions and avoiding a proposed cost shift.   “We…

Despite the tremendous progress Connecticut has made in reducing the number of incarcerated youth over the past 10 years, a troubling trend continues: Black and brown children continue to come in contact with the juvenile and criminal justice system in disproportionate numbers compared to their white peers. Studies have confirmed that bias is one factor—meaning…

This month, all members who subscribe to BlogCEA are being entered for a daily chance to win a CEA swag bag. The BlogCEA bag contains a flash drive, cell phone pocket, clip, and more. For your chance to win, just click here and subscribe today. Winners for the first part of February are

With recent cuts to state education funding, a new legislative session about to start, and the future of teachers and public education at risk it’s never been more important to stay up to date on the latest education news affecting Connecticut teachers. Here at BlogCEA we want to make sure you as a CEA member…