NEWS & INFO

Teachers work hard on behalf of their students, and you deserve to be paid correctly. Unfortunately, payroll errors can and do occur, so make sure to review your paystub to prevent small errors from becoming larger problems.

Educators, community members, businesses, and organizations are all invited to participate in the annual Holiday Bear Project, which provides gifts to children in need during the holiday season. This year, we have nearly 900 students waiting for that holiday joy.

Early voting kicks off October 19 in every town across Connecticut and runs through November 1—or you can vote as usual on Election Day, November 3. Find out more about the candidates running to represent you.

Early voting starts October 19. Get an inside look at who’s running and where they stand on issues related to public education in this issue of the CEA Advisor.

In an op-ed in the CTMirror, CEA Vice President Joslyn DeLancey explains how the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit asks states to give up control for a program that will mostly benefit the wealthy few.

A blood drive is a simple yet powerful way to make a difference in someone’s life. Donate at the CEA Blood Drive October 28.

The CT Career Pathways Commission has issued draft recommendations and wants to hear from teachers before these recommendations are finalized. Leave your feedback today.

What is private equity and how does it relate to the federal voucher program? Listen to the latest episode of CEA’s podcast to learn more.

When a Glastonbury teacher faced issues with her 403(b) contributions, her union stepped in to help. “It was a relief to have that support and not need to handle the issue all on my own.”

The U.S. Treasury has released guidance on Trump’s Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, and the picture it paints for public schools and students is bleak.   

Please take this year’s CEA and WFSB TV 3 survey and share your experiences regarding educators’ working conditions, school resources, technology, student mental health, and more.

Looking for some fall fun without breaking the bank? Your CEA membership comes with discounts on everything from from Phantom Fall Fest at Lake Compounce and Great Wolf Lodge to UConn Football—plus plenty of opportunities to catch a great show. Check out these upcoming theater and comedy deals available to CEA members.

If you’re working under a certification endorsement that is considered a shortage area you may be eligible for benefits such as loan forgiveness and deferral and mortgage assistance. Check out the shortage areas for 2026-2027.

The CEA-Retired Fall Meeting brought together retired educators, CEA leaders and staff, and special guests, to talk about the state of retirement security for Connecticut educators as well as other priorities for educators across the career continuum.

Education advocates, health professionals, and lawmakers are joining together to highlight the need for continued progress on school indoor air quality in Connecticut. While acknowledging important steps forward, they also noted that more must be done to ensure all Connecticut schools comply with state law when it comes to indoor air quality standards.

Read a new CEA policy brief to learn how private equity is expanding its reach into K-12 education.

Fall is a great time to reconnect with fellow educators and get plugged in to what’s happening across CEA. From virtual updates on key education issues to casual gatherings with colleagues, there are plenty of opportunities to connect, engage, and make your voice heard this fall.

Read an op-ed by CEA President Kate Dias published in Hearst CT Newspapers.

On the latest episode of CEA’s podcast, hear CEA leaders catch up on the start of the school year with local presidents Nicola Able and Jeffrey Rizzo.

Supporting students means supporting educators. That’s the case that CEA President Kate Dias made during a Dialogue Project conversation hosted by 92NY.

Teachers, parents, advocates, and local leaders, including CEA President Kate Dias, came together yesterday for a roundtable discussion with U.S. Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Adelita Grijalva on the impact of federal policies on Connecticut schools.

Twenty-five years after 9/11, Connecticut teachers are helping a new generation understand the day through powerful personal stories—including the story of passengers stranded in Newfoundland after their flights were rerouted. For Danbury students, one firsthand account offered a lesson about the tragedy as well as the kindness and generosity of the communities that welcomed thousands of stranded travelers.

At CEA’s monthly Building Rep Academy, meet other educators doing the same work and learn how to expertly engage, organize, and represent your colleagues. Join CEA Training & Organizational Specialist Chris Teifke for one-hour virtual monthly sessions this fall.

Join a virtual town hall on the use of screens in schools on September 23 featuring CEA Secretary Gail Jorden as a panelist. The conversation will explore classroom technology, student attention and mental health, school safety, cell phone policies, and practical steps parents and schools can take to create healthier and more effective learning environments.

To help celebrate and educate about the contributions of Hispanic Americans, check out the list of curated resources, books, lessons, videos, activities, and more compiled by NEA.

The CEA Pride Commission was established to provide a community for Connecticut LGBTQ+ educators and allies. Come to a monthly meeting to learn more about advocating for the community. The next meeting takes place virtually Sept. 17 at 4:00 p.m.

On the 25th anniversary of 9/11, many teachers are ensuring the generation born after the attacks understands the significance of that day. On WNPR’s Where We Live, Darien teacher Jennifer Ladd shares her personal memories of that day and explains why she thinks it’s so important to teach students about 9/11.

How can educators and communities ensure Asian American and Pacific Islander students feel like they belong in classrooms and school communities? That was the focus of a panel discussion with high school students at the 4th Annual Connecticut Asian American and Pacific Islander Education Symposium.

Friday, November 6, join fellow educators and supporters at the forth annual CEA Celebrates Gala at the Omni New Haven Hotel.

How is screen time really affecting student learning? Join fellow CEA members for a three-part book club exploring The Digital Delusion, by Jared Cooney Horvath. The first 20 CEA members who register get a free book!

The 2026-2027 school year marks a transition year piloting a new process for beginning educators that focuses more deeply on professional dialogue and growth.

Too many requirements, a lack of time for exploration, and a shortage of resources and personnel were some of the impediments CEA Board of Directors members identified as preventing the implementation of career pathways programs in Connecticut.

As a CEA and NEA member, you have access to the NEA Professional Excellence Portal where you can take a variety of timely courses on the diverse history of the labor movement. 

Every August brings new teacher orientations to Connecticut districts, and CEA’s governance team traveled around the state to attend 65 of them. Glastonbury has nine new teachers this year, and CEA Secretary Gail Jorden joined members of the GEA’s executive board to welcome them to the district.

The start of the school year should be a time of excitement and possibility, but instead is turning into a nightmare in many of our communities where the return to school is being overshadowed by a surge in ICE detentions that have taken place at school dropoffs, bus stops, and other places where children are left to witness a parent or loved one being taken away.

Our schools should be places of safety, stability, and belonging. Check out resources to support your students and their families.

The latest episode of CEA’s podcast covers everything from the legacy of icon Dolly Parton to debate about CEA’s most controversial swag item.

The start of the school year, a time of excitement and possibility for Connecticut students as they return to their teachers, friends, and familiar routines, is instead turning into the…

Retirement may be years away, but it’s never too early to start planning. The CEA Advisor Retirement Issue, published at the start of every school year, will be online-only this year, so watch your inbox in September.

CEA’s comprehensive workshops on understanding and planning your retirement are being offered in locations around the state this fall. Register for one today.

In a demanding profession such as teaching making space for gratitude is not always easy, but research by Ridgefield Spanish teacher Dr. Allyson Power shows that gratitude can help educators feel happier and calmer and builds resilience.

Meet this year’s recipients of Connecticut Education Foundation scholarships that support students who are planning on becoming educators.

As school districts across the state welcome new educators into the fold, local teachers’ associations are on hand to ensure every educator knows where to turn for professional development, camaraderie, and union support.

Your head may be in back-to-school mode, but we hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on an amazing summer. Catch the highlights in your CEA Advisor.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s 2026 term ended with major decisions involving Title IX and affecting LGBTQ+ students and their rights in school settings. At an information session this summer, CEA experts reviewed what those decisions could mean for students and educators.

This Election Day, join other teachers and educator and viral sensation Gerry Brooks for a free day of professional learning centered around reimagining education.

Take three minutes to help shape career pathways so students can explore their interests, understand career options, build skills, and connect classroom learning to future education, training, and employment.

Changes by Connecticut lawmakers mean that back-to-school season may be a little less expensive for teachers and parents this year. Sales tax-free week, August 16 – 22, has been expanded, and nonelectronic school supplies are no longer subject to Connecticut sales tax at any time.

Teachers make a lasting difference in the lives of their students—and iHeartRadio wants to hear about those educators who have made an impact. One special educator will win an unforgettable prize: a weekend getaway to Smugglers’ Notch!

The State Board of Education has adopted an updated position statement and policy guidance on personal and purposeful technology use in schools.