Educators gathered recently at Elicit Brewing Co. in Manchester for a lively CEA Hartford County Engagement. Teachers in many counties have gathered for social events this fall that blend camaraderie with practical learning.
The Hartford County Engagement brought out nearly 30 teachers, offering a chance to unwind with colleagues while also providing CEA members with important information about their pensions, retirement planning, and the many ways to save money through the CEA and NEA member benefits program.. The relaxed setting created the perfect backdrop for members to connect, ask questions, and become better prepared for their futures—both in and out of the classroom.
Granby Education Association President and Hartford County Director KC Petruzzi (pictured above) talked to members about pensions and preparing for retirement, helping members make sense of what can often feel like a complicated system. She walked teachers through the fundamentals of the state-run Teachers’ Retirement Board (TRB) pension system—how contributions work, when educators qualify for normal or early retirement, and how prorated or part-time years play into the formula. Petruzzi also emphasized the importance of long-term planning, explaining options for buying back unpaid leave and encouraging teachers to understand their own timelines and provisions in their contract, including severance, early retirement incentives, and sick-time payouts.
Members who attended the Hartford County Engagement had a chance to win raffle prizes that included a CEA baseball shirt.
“Make sure you attend one of CEA Retirement Specialist Robyn Kaplan-Cho’s retirement workshops now so you are prepared, even if retirement is a decade or more away,” Petruzzi told the group. She stressed that these virtual CEA workshops offer in-depth, personalized guidance on everything from health insurance in retirement to navigating Medicare and factoring in individual circumstances such as second careers, Social Security eligibility, and more.
Register for a CEA Retirement Workshop. Virtual workshops are being held at 4 p.m. on December 2 and 18, and more will be offered this spring.
Following the retirement discussion, CEA Communications and Member Benefits Director Nancy Andrews shared the many ways educators can save with CEA and NEA member benefits. From travel and entertainment discounts to savings on major purchases like appliances, insurance, and technology, Andrews reminded members that this time of year—during holiday shopping and seasonal giving—is the perfect moment to explore available discounts. “Many members don’t realize that by using your Member Benefits discounts you can easily save hundreds of dollars a year,” Andrews said. “In many cases, those savings can cover the cost of your union dues.”
During the season of giving, Andrews urged teachers to take advantage of the resources designed specifically for them, noting that small savings add up quickly and can make a meaningful difference to tight family budgets. Attendees also received great CEA swag and Andrews reminded members to visit the CEA online swag store to check out new merchandise from umbrellas to blankets (coming soon).
Learn more about CEA Member Benefits and NEA Member Benefits.
