Welcome aboard. We’re here for you!
That was the theme of the new teacher orientation for 20 new Goodwin Education Association members. In a conference room at Goodwin University in Hartford, new teachers were welcomed into the union by CEA staff with swag bags and were invited to engage openly, asking questions, sharing experiences, and discovering how the union will stand beside them as they begin their teaching journeys.
But it wasn’t just new teachers excited to be starting something new. Adam James, a math teacher at Connecticut River Academy, was entering his first day as a building rep for the Goodwin Education Association.
“I’ve had so much support and assistance from my union over the past 20 years, and I’m looking forward to being able to provide that to staff who need it,” said James. “It can be very stressful to have an interaction with the administration. To have someone who has perspective, has a cooler head, and can sit with you and guide you through the process and help you advocate for yourself is important.”
The new teacher orientation turned out to be a great time for union leadership to also reflect on their union journey.
Christopher Ewing, treasurer of the Goodwin Education Association, said CEA makes him feel welcome and supported. “Going to the CEA conference and seeing our CEA President Kate, seeing other leadership and staff, makes me feel so much more involved.”
After joining CEA, all the teachers were excited and eager to embark on the year ahead, confident in the union’s unwavering support and inspired by the collective spirit of advocacy and professional growth.
“I’m excited for the new curriculum, I’m excited to try some new relationship-building and group work strategies in my classroom,” said James.
