“When the government institutions we’ve leaned on start to fail us, then we have to rise,” CEA President Kate Dias told teachers attending CEA’s Digital Rally on Wednesday. “This is our moment to ensure that we as teachers, community members, and parents have our voices heard and make an impact in our communities.”
Dias noted that, given the current news cycle, it’s easy to feel defeated.
“We have to keep hope alive, and hope that has action attached is essential,” she said.
The Digital Rally CEA held on March 19 was part of a National Day of Action. Educators across Connecticut (including Coventry teachers pictured above) wore red in solidarity and the digital rally provided teachers with a chance to come together and discuss real solutions and actions we can take here in Connecticut to protect our students and our schools.
CEA Training and Organizational Specialist Chris Teifke told members that unions like CEA are uniquely positioned to effect change outside of the usual channels. “The union movement came out of hard times when institutions did not serve us—unions are well suited to this work,” he said.
NEA-Danbury members turned out in #redfored.
He added, “When we can work through the usual channels and make changes through the legislative branch and courts we absolutely should, but when institutions fail us we can take to organizing efforts. We can act much more quickly that way and do more than just react.”
Teifke said that those in power will not change course no matter how many marches teachers hold. Instead, educators need to employ their creativity.
“We will rise to meet this moment,” he said. “I know you’re all committed to being a point of light for those in darkness—that’s why many of you got into the profession in the first place. When the chips are down and it feels like no one cares, your union does.”
What teachers can do
- Stay engaged with efforts to pass legislation to enhance teacher salaries. CEA Vice President Joslyn DeLancey noted that teachers submitted over 700 pieces of testimony sharing their stories as to why increasing teacher salaries is so critical. The bill now needs to be voted out of the Education Committee and passed by the Appropriations Committee before it can go to the full House and Senate for a vote.
“Please stay tuned to future action alerts from CEA so we can get this bill over the finish line,” she said. - Ensure schools are safe places for LGBTQ+ students and staff. Teifke shared a number of resources to help CEA members make their schools feel safe and welcoming “I’m Here” badges and passing board of education resolutions to protect and support LGBTQ+ staff and students.
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Newington High School world language teachers show departmental solidarity.
Support immigrant students. Teifke also shared resources to ensure educators are informed about ICE enforcement at schools, how to pass board of education Safe School Zone resolutions, and more.
- Get involved with Champions for Public Education and Teachers Go the Extra Mile campaigns. Pledge your support for public schools and become a Champion for Public Education to make sure you’re in the know and ready to take action on behalf of Connecticut students and educators. As part of CEA’s public awareness campaign, Teachers Go the Extra Mile for Their Students Every Day, teachers who speak up at board of education and other town meetings this winter and spring will receive a Teachers Go the Extra Mile T-shirt. Find out more.
- Register for Lobby Day on April 29. Join your fellow CEA active, retired, and aspiring members for our annual CEA Lobby Day at the State Capitol to ensure legislators hear directly from educators about the issues impacting teachers, students, and public education.
- Register and attend upcoming What’re The Facts (WTF) sessions. Register for sessions on Mondays at 4 p.m. every other week. CEA is actively tracking key policies, analyzing their impact, and providing you with the tools and resources you need to stay ahead.
