Windsor Education Association leaders welcomed 75 new teachers into the fold with a buffet breakfast and words of encouragement from veteran educators, including CEA President Kate Dias.
“We make sure your voices are reflected here in your community and at the state level,” said Dias, “and that you are safe and protected in your jobs.”
WEA Secretary Stacey Paley, who helped organize the morning event, said it gave the district’s new teachers an opportunity to connect with each other, prepare for the school year, and meet state and local representatives who will advocate for them in the classroom, at the bargaining table, at the state legislature, and everywhere else teachers’ voices need to be heard.
“You have friends in powerful places with CEA, and you are part of a family,” said WEA Membership Chair and Treasurer Melissa Herman.
WEA Co-Presidents John Scanlon and Jennifer Delskey noted that their local association is in negotiations this year and will be working on new contracts for Windsor teachers.
“This is not an easy profession,” said Delskey, “and we wanted to gather our newest teachers and let them know they’re valued. Support from their union helps us retain great teachers.”
After the breakfast, Windsor’s newest cohort of educators attended New Teachers and the Law, professional development offered by CEA’s Member Legal Services team to help them navigate legal issues that could arise in the course of their work and understand their rights and responsibilities.
K-2 special education teacher Noranita Mohdyusof and school social worker Latisha Balbachan said they looked forward to getting to know their students and appreciated the warm welcome from WEA and CEA.
“Meeting my union representatives today makes me feel welcomed into the district,” said fifth-grade humanities teacher Eriya Tateishi. “This get-together is very informative. They’re making sure we as new teachers feel comfortable and ready to go.”
Monday, August 30 is the first day of school for Windsor students.
