For proof that educators are educators for life, look no further than CEA-Retired.
“You can take the teacher out of the classroom—sort of, sometimes!—but you can’t take the classroom out of the teacher,” jokes CEA-Retired President Mary-Beth Lang, pointing to the ways she and her colleagues remain active in their schools and communities long into retirement.
Giving back
Recently, CEA-Retired purchased books and sent them off with members to do read-alouds in schools of their choosing around the state.
“There is such a shortage and need for qualified teachers, and that’s one of the many places where retired members make a tremendous difference,” says Lang. “CEA-Retired members often go back into their neighborhood schools to volunteer with tutoring, math practice, computer assistance, small-group instruction, and more, and we encourage that involvement. It’s a way to come back to the classroom on your own terms, reconnect with students, and provide learning opportunities that would otherwise not be available.”
Understanding that help is needed outside the school walls as well, attendees at the CEA-Retired Fall Meeting collected hundreds of pairs of socks to distribute to neighbors in need. “Each county worked with local community groups, faithbased organizations, and food banks in a way that warmed hearts and toes,” says Lang.
“CEA-Retired outreach programs like these help raise our visibility, increase membership, and remind those outside our profession that teachers never stop doing, giving, and caring.”
“I was able to coordinate with the pastor at Westfield Congregational Church in Danielson, whose ministry helps unhoused people,” says CEA-Retired member Peggy Weaver. “Socks are a frequent request. They were thrilled to receive our donation.”
Spreading cheer
The holidays brought more opportunities for connection and goodwill when CEA-Retired hosted a wrapping party for the Connecticut Education Foundation’s Holiday Bear Project—gathering at CEA’s Hartford headquarters for a morning of festive music and finishing touches on hundreds of gifts being donated to children in need around the state.
“Our Holiday Bear Project is a wonderful way to close out the year, and who better to give us a hand than our amazing CEA-Retired members,” says CEF President Joslyn DeLancey. “They’ve witnessed throughout their careers how gestures like these make a huge difference for our students.”
Ten retired Bridgeport educators were among those volunteering to wrap gifts.
“Holiday Bear was always a big project for us and a way to help our students, so we keep that tradition going,” says retired Bridgeport teacher Ann Langley.
Fellow retiree Nancy Dennin, who taught in New Canaan for 27 years, recalls bringing her high school seniors to a field day in Bridgeport, where they were taken aback by the difference in resources between the two school districts.
“We started a tradition of hosting Bridgeport students for our field day,” she says, “setting up our football field with face painting, obstacle courses, and games and providing lunch and gifts to take home.”
The Holiday Open House was the first CEA-Retired event for Regina McConachie and Gina Trusiewicz, who taught in Plainville and Farmington.
“What a great way to volunteer and meet new people, which I did!” said McConachie.
“A lovely opportunity that was well organized and fun,” Trusiewicz agreed, adding that she plans to stay involved with CEA-Retired.
Branching out
The same day as the CEA-Retired Holiday Open House, the Wadsworth Atheneum kicked off its annual Festival of Trees and Traditions, showcasing a one-of-a kind donation from CEA-Retired.
“Groups such as ours create holiday trees for display throughout the museum’s galleries,” explains CEA-Retired Vice President Gary Peluchette. “The trees are auctioned off, with proceeds supporting the Wadsworth’s educational programs.”
The CEA-Retired Membership Committee assembled the tree (on the theme “Apple for the Teacher”), adorned it with dozens of hand-painted wooden apples, and delivered it in time for the December exhibition and sale.
Retiring soon?
Stay active by joining CEA-Retired.
