Many Connecticut educators first learn about their union and its benefits after they begin their teaching careers, but college students who are members of CEA’s Aspiring Educators Program have a head start.
At the Aspiring Educators’ end-of-year Apple Banquet this spring, students celebrated each other’s accomplishments, reflected on their experience in the program, and heard from speakers about how CEA will continue to be there for them throughout their time as both students and professional educators.
After a difficult few pandemic years, the program is having a rebirth. CEA Educational Issues Specialist Elizabeth Sked, who serves as the program’s advisor, told the students, “I couldn’t be prouder of all the work you have put into your studies, your volunteer experiences, your advocacy for the profession, and on behalf of your students. For those of you who are graduating, I can’t wait to see where your careers take you.”
“The Aspiring Educators Program is a force to be reckoned with,” said Chair Kate Cummings. “Since the beginning of this year, we have doubled our membership. We have added two more chapters and rebuilt our relationship with another chapter to welcome it back into the fold.”
New chapters
Nadia Wentzell earned her undergraduate degree at Eastern Connecticut State University, which has had an Aspiring Educators chapter for many years. When she arrived at the University of St. Joseph for her master’s, however, she discovered the school didn’t have a chapter.
Working closely with Sked, she launched the USJ chapter.
CEA Aspiring Educators Chair Kate Cummings, CEA President Kate Dias, and Aspiring Educators Vice Chair Marlee Hope Greenlaw celebrate at the Apple Banquet.
“Elizabeth is incredible to work with,” said Wentzell. “Together we were able to make this chapter happen. The ability to leave a legacy at the school for education students–to be able to get them new opportunities that we didn’t have before that CEA can provide–I am so proud that we were able to accomplish that.”
Wentzell, who begins her teaching career in East Hartford this coming fall, says her favorite Aspiring Educators experience of the year was CEA’s Early Career Educator Conference, aimed at pre-service teachers as well as those in the first six years of their careers.
“It was phenomenal,” she said. “Conferences like that provide an opportunity not just for professional development, which if you’re not part of the Aspiring Educators Program you probably don’t know about or have access to, but also networking opportunities, which are so important.”
The other new CEA Aspiring Educators chapter this year is at Mitchell College, where students Olivia DeLoach and Ashley Septelka got the program off the ground.
DeLoach, who is president of Mitchell’s chapter, says one of her favorite opportunities as a CEA Aspiring Educator was the chance to attend a CEA press conference at the Legislative Office Building. “I was able to speak to the need to raise starting salaries for teachers in Connecticut. It was really awesome, because I didn’t realize I would be the only aspiring educator speaking. To be in a room with people who are in the profession or have retired from the profession and getting to share my piece as someone who will soon enter the field, I thought that was a really incredible experience.”
Your union, always in your corner
CEA Educational Issues Specialist Elizabeth Sked, at right, poses with the incoming statewide Aspiring Educators’ leadership team for next year: Chair Emma Sands, ECSU; Vice Chair Owen Eccles, Quinnipiac; and Secretary Brandon Scacca, University of St. Joseph.
“You are absolutely beginning a very joyous time in your lives, and I am sure you have also heard about all the stress you’re going to feel stepping into your first classroom,” said NEA Aspiring Educators Chair Sabreena Shaller. “I know you will be amazing. You may feel like your life will be shaken up a bit with entering a new school community with new responsibilities, but there is going to be one constant, and that constant is CEA. Do not hesitate to get involved. CEA will be there to walk you through some of the hardest days and also celebrate the wins. And they will remain that constant support throughout the duration of your teaching career.”
“Listen, you’re going to have times when you are not happy in your job, and I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news, but that’s going to happen to you,” said CEA President Kate Dias. “There is going to be a time where something bad is going to happen. If one person goes to their boss and says, ‘This is a problem,’ they’re complaining. Two people go, and now it’s an action, and you’re protected. And that’s the power of joining together.”
She continued. “Sometimes teachers will say you can’t do anything until you’re tenured. I think I was in charge of something in the union by the time I was a second-year teacher, and I learned very quickly that those who are involved and know their rights are more protected than anyone else. So the best thing you can do for yourself is to understand your professional support network, and that starts with the Aspiring Educators Program.”
“Never lose the wonder and inspiration you feel when you begin this noble career,” said CEA Training and Organizational Development Specialist Chris Teifke. “Your union will always be here for you. We see you for who you are, and we’ll help you achieve your dreams because, frankly, you deserve that, and your students deserve it too.”
