www.suffieldteachers.org
Regional Retirement Workshop*
Suffield will be hosting a regional retirement workshop by CEA on Monday, September 24, 2018 from 4:00 - 6:30 pm at the High School. More information will follow over the summer.
*An Important Message About Janus*
Dear Suffield Education Association Member,
As you may know, the U.S. Supreme Court has released its decision in Janus v. AFSCME, a case that could create significant challenges for teachers and our ability to bargain for good working conditions, decent wages, and quality public education.
In a 5-4 vote, the court struck down nearly four decades of legal protections for teachers and other union members, making it more difficult for us to speak with a unified voice about our workplace, our profession, and the well-being of our students. This is an attempt by corporate billionaires and special interest groups to take away our hard-won rights and freedoms, and to silence us. Please know that we will not be silenced.
Now, more than ever, it is important for us—as a union—to stand together. In states like Arizona and Wisconsin, where teachers’ voices have been silenced, salaries and benefits have plummeted, working conditions have eroded, class sizes are higher, and outcomes for students are often lower. That will not be the case in Connecticut if we stand together.
Some will try to weaken our union, and divide and conquer. You will see it in the near future—attacks from groups that want to privatize public education and take away our decent salaries, health insurance, and retirement benefits. If you are contacted by any groups trying to tear down our union, please let me know immediately.
This is the latest effort by corporate reformers, billionaires, and special interest groups to rig the system against working people and make our society more elitist. But unions will continue to be strong, aspirational, and not negative. Unions are the most effective means of having a collective voice and for providing a pathway to the middle class and stability for families. We are not going anywhere.
Though I am disappointed by the court’s decision, I will continue fighting to ensure that our union membership and bargaining power remain strong. That’s how we best serve our students and stand up for our profession. We are all part of this critical fight.
Below is information about the importance of union membership. Please take the time to read it and share it with your colleagues.Please also share the following videos, which are powerful reminders of why union membership matters.Please reach out to me with any questions. I look forward to working and organizing together—and proving that SEA members are stronger together.
Sincerely,
Mark Janick
SEA President
As you may know, the U.S. Supreme Court has released its decision in Janus v. AFSCME, a case that could create significant challenges for teachers and our ability to bargain for good working conditions, decent wages, and quality public education.
In a 5-4 vote, the court struck down nearly four decades of legal protections for teachers and other union members, making it more difficult for us to speak with a unified voice about our workplace, our profession, and the well-being of our students. This is an attempt by corporate billionaires and special interest groups to take away our hard-won rights and freedoms, and to silence us. Please know that we will not be silenced.
Now, more than ever, it is important for us—as a union—to stand together. In states like Arizona and Wisconsin, where teachers’ voices have been silenced, salaries and benefits have plummeted, working conditions have eroded, class sizes are higher, and outcomes for students are often lower. That will not be the case in Connecticut if we stand together.
Some will try to weaken our union, and divide and conquer. You will see it in the near future—attacks from groups that want to privatize public education and take away our decent salaries, health insurance, and retirement benefits. If you are contacted by any groups trying to tear down our union, please let me know immediately.
This is the latest effort by corporate reformers, billionaires, and special interest groups to rig the system against working people and make our society more elitist. But unions will continue to be strong, aspirational, and not negative. Unions are the most effective means of having a collective voice and for providing a pathway to the middle class and stability for families. We are not going anywhere.
Though I am disappointed by the court’s decision, I will continue fighting to ensure that our union membership and bargaining power remain strong. That’s how we best serve our students and stand up for our profession. We are all part of this critical fight.
Below is information about the importance of union membership. Please take the time to read it and share it with your colleagues.Please also share the following videos, which are powerful reminders of why union membership matters.Please reach out to me with any questions. I look forward to working and organizing together—and proving that SEA members are stronger together.
Sincerely,
Mark Janick
SEA President
*Governor's Veto Denies Support for Classroom Safety & Resources for Students in need*
Governor’s Veto Denies Support for Classroom Safety and Resources for Students in Need
CEA calling on legislators to override veto.
With the swipe of his pen, Governor Malloy vetoed the best chance Connecticut has had to end the school-to-prison pipeline and reduce discriminatory discipline for students of color and special education students.
Public Act 18-89, which passed the legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support, would have helped ensure a safe classroom environment for all students and educators. It would have required that students who cause physical injury to others receive appropriate counseling and services rather than being ignored or disciplined in a discriminatory way, which occurs too often at present.
CEA is urging legislators, who overwhelmingly supported and passed the bill, to override the governor’s veto. Without an override, Governor Malloy’s veto ensures that more youth will wind up in the criminal justice system rather than having their problems and needs addressed in a proactive manner.
“It is ironic that while Governor Malloy admirably promotes counseling and mentoring for prisoners in Connecticut jails, he is denying proactive support in our schools when students cause physical injury to others. The governor is not connecting the dots. If we want fewer young people in our criminal justice system, we need to be proactive in our schools and hold administrators accountable for ensuring students receive the support they need,” said CEA President Sheila Cohen.
In a recent federal survey, 43 percent of public school teachers agreed or strongly agreed that student misbehavior interfered with their teaching (National Center for Education Statistics, Indicators of School Crime and Safety, March 2018, page vii). Public Act 18-89 focuses on serious disruptions in the classroom that cause physical injury; the bill protects the safety of students and teachers, and encourages appropriate supports and interventions to help students who might otherwise wind up in the criminal justice system.
“This veto undermines safe schools and the opportunity for students to get assistance before school issues become criminal justice issues,” said CEA Executive Director Donald Williams.
Last-minute opposition to PA 18-89 came from the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS), which had expressed no opposition during the legislative session. Some superintendents took issue with having greater accountability for reducing violence in the schools. CAPSS made significant factual misrepresentations about the bill that could have easily been refuted during the legislative process.
“Responsible administrators should welcome the proactive and supportive approach of PA 18-89 rather than the current system of relying on expulsions and suspensions, or worse still, ignoring the needs of disruptive students,” said Cohen.
“The governor’s veto is an attempt to nullify overwhelming support in the legislature to require that administrators are accountable for classroom safety and for ensuring that students get the help they need,” said Williams.
PA 18-89 was the product of a transparent and collaborative process with input from legislators, the State’s Child Advocate, mental health advocates, the executive director of the Commission on Equity and Opportunity, and the Commissioner of Education. All input was incorporated into the bill.
“We are asking legislators to override the veto to protect every student and teacher in Connecticut’s public school classrooms and to ensure that students in need get the resources and support they need before it is too late,” said Cohen.
The Connecticut Education Association is Connecticut’s largest teachers’ union, representing active and retired educators across the state.
For further information contact Nancy Andrews at 860-725-6317, nancya@cea.org.
CEA calling on legislators to override veto.
With the swipe of his pen, Governor Malloy vetoed the best chance Connecticut has had to end the school-to-prison pipeline and reduce discriminatory discipline for students of color and special education students.
Public Act 18-89, which passed the legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support, would have helped ensure a safe classroom environment for all students and educators. It would have required that students who cause physical injury to others receive appropriate counseling and services rather than being ignored or disciplined in a discriminatory way, which occurs too often at present.
CEA is urging legislators, who overwhelmingly supported and passed the bill, to override the governor’s veto. Without an override, Governor Malloy’s veto ensures that more youth will wind up in the criminal justice system rather than having their problems and needs addressed in a proactive manner.
“It is ironic that while Governor Malloy admirably promotes counseling and mentoring for prisoners in Connecticut jails, he is denying proactive support in our schools when students cause physical injury to others. The governor is not connecting the dots. If we want fewer young people in our criminal justice system, we need to be proactive in our schools and hold administrators accountable for ensuring students receive the support they need,” said CEA President Sheila Cohen.
In a recent federal survey, 43 percent of public school teachers agreed or strongly agreed that student misbehavior interfered with their teaching (National Center for Education Statistics, Indicators of School Crime and Safety, March 2018, page vii). Public Act 18-89 focuses on serious disruptions in the classroom that cause physical injury; the bill protects the safety of students and teachers, and encourages appropriate supports and interventions to help students who might otherwise wind up in the criminal justice system.
“This veto undermines safe schools and the opportunity for students to get assistance before school issues become criminal justice issues,” said CEA Executive Director Donald Williams.
Last-minute opposition to PA 18-89 came from the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS), which had expressed no opposition during the legislative session. Some superintendents took issue with having greater accountability for reducing violence in the schools. CAPSS made significant factual misrepresentations about the bill that could have easily been refuted during the legislative process.
“Responsible administrators should welcome the proactive and supportive approach of PA 18-89 rather than the current system of relying on expulsions and suspensions, or worse still, ignoring the needs of disruptive students,” said Cohen.
“The governor’s veto is an attempt to nullify overwhelming support in the legislature to require that administrators are accountable for classroom safety and for ensuring that students get the help they need,” said Williams.
PA 18-89 was the product of a transparent and collaborative process with input from legislators, the State’s Child Advocate, mental health advocates, the executive director of the Commission on Equity and Opportunity, and the Commissioner of Education. All input was incorporated into the bill.
“We are asking legislators to override the veto to protect every student and teacher in Connecticut’s public school classrooms and to ensure that students in need get the resources and support they need before it is too late,” said Cohen.
The Connecticut Education Association is Connecticut’s largest teachers’ union, representing active and retired educators across the state.
For further information contact Nancy Andrews at 860-725-6317, nancya@cea.org.
*Contact Governor Malloy: Urge Him to Sign Law Protecting Teachers, Students*
A bill currently on Governor Malloy's desk would help stem the tide of student assaults and ensure safer classrooms—but only if he signs it.
Some school superintendents are lobbying the governor to veto Public Act 18-89, An Act Concerning Classroom Safety and Disruptive Behavior. Thanks to CEA staff, leaders, and members, the bill passed overwhelmingly in the House and Senate, but it's now in danger of not being enacted into law.
Call or email the governor's office and urge him to sign PA 18-89, which:
~Reduces discriminatory discipline
~Emphasizes supports and assistance to students in need
~Provides special education students with greater protections than currently exist
http://www.cea.org/conntact/2018/jun/contact-governor-malloy-urge-him-to-sign-law-protecting-teachers-students.cfm
*Commemoration of The Bridgeport Teachers Strike*
1978-2018
Nearly 40 years ago, in September 1978, when Bridgeport's public school teachers and the Bridgeport Board of Education could not reach a contract settlement, the city's teachers went on strike. During the strike, which lasted 19 days, 274 teachers were jailed. The following year, the state legislature enacted the landmark Teacher Negotiation Act, requiring that deadlock teacher contract negotiations be solved through binding arbitration.
Commemoration of this event will be held on Thursday, May 10th at 4:00 p.m. at Testo's Restaurant in Bridgeport.
Please see the attached flyer for more details.
Commemoration of this event will be held on Thursday, May 10th at 4:00 p.m. at Testo's Restaurant in Bridgeport.
Please see the attached flyer for more details.
*SB 453 An Act Concerning Classroom Safety & Disruptive Behavior*
Dear Members,
As spring vacations are in full swing in some districts and eagerly anticipated in others, the state legislative session is entering its final weeks of action. With your help, members’ advocacy has been very strong and our continued advocacy has moved our priorities closer to passage.
Today I am asking for your help in bringing a very important bill addressing aggressive student behavior to floor votes in the Senate and then in the House. Aggressive student behavior, beginning in the earliest grades, is pervasive and increasing in districts of all kinds. I ask you to urge your members, perhaps through your building reps and 10-minute meetings, to call their legislators and request that this bill come to a vote as soon as possible.
The message is simple and clear: Call on legislators to address aggressive student behavior by passing SB 453 An Act Concerning Classroom Safety and Disruptive Behavior
SB 453 would:
Require notification of parents of children who witness violent behavior in the classroom
Allow teachers to remove violent or disruptive students from the classroom
Require violent students to receive appropriate supports and resources before returning to the classroom
Teachers across the state need this bill to make our classrooms safer learning environments for teaching and for learning.
We must act now to ensure its passage.
Thank you for all that you do!
As spring vacations are in full swing in some districts and eagerly anticipated in others, the state legislative session is entering its final weeks of action. With your help, members’ advocacy has been very strong and our continued advocacy has moved our priorities closer to passage.
Today I am asking for your help in bringing a very important bill addressing aggressive student behavior to floor votes in the Senate and then in the House. Aggressive student behavior, beginning in the earliest grades, is pervasive and increasing in districts of all kinds. I ask you to urge your members, perhaps through your building reps and 10-minute meetings, to call their legislators and request that this bill come to a vote as soon as possible.
The message is simple and clear: Call on legislators to address aggressive student behavior by passing SB 453 An Act Concerning Classroom Safety and Disruptive Behavior
SB 453 would:
Require notification of parents of children who witness violent behavior in the classroom
Allow teachers to remove violent or disruptive students from the classroom
Require violent students to receive appropriate supports and resources before returning to the classroom
Teachers across the state need this bill to make our classrooms safer learning environments for teaching and for learning.
We must act now to ensure its passage.
Thank you for all that you do!
*Stand with the Teachers of Oklahoma*
From NEA:
"Amidst all the challenges and attacks we face from the Supreme Court, from the Koch brothers and their ilk, and from politicians who refuse to support public education and educators; we can all take inspiration from the courageous teachers of Oklahoma, who will be walking out across the state on Monday.”
http://standwithteachers.org
"Amidst all the challenges and attacks we face from the Supreme Court, from the Koch brothers and their ilk, and from politicians who refuse to support public education and educators; we can all take inspiration from the courageous teachers of Oklahoma, who will be walking out across the state on Monday.”
http://standwithteachers.org
*Teachers Ask for More Protection Against Unruly Students*
HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - Kicked, bitten, and thrown to the ground. Connecticut teachers say they've had enough.
On Monday, some told lawmakers they're afraid to come to work and schools are doing very little to protect them.
"I was punched in the arm by two students who decided to wrestle in front of me. One had the other in a headlock, the other went to punch him but punched my arm instead,” said Heidi Kapszukiewicz, who is a retired Norwich teacher.
She is still recovering from her injuries. She had a torn rotator cuff and needed surgery, and it's not her first injury.
"No, I’ve had had numerous injuries from more students. They tore my rotator cuff on the other arm the year before,” Kapszukiewicz said.
"We've been put in a position where we see no other alternatives. Our repeated calls have not been met,” said Robyn Kaplan-Cho, of the Connecticut Education Association.
The association is telling lawmakers that disruptive students are taken out of the classroom for a short period of time but are often brought right back, and the aggressive behavior continues.
They are looking for more resources. They want more social workers, and that incidents of violations must be reported.
They also want administrators to follow up on consistent violent behavior, and to allow teachers to remove students who have assaulted someone or are a threat.
"We are seeing this most prevalent at the elementary level and even pre-school and those schools are definitely not set up to deal with these problems at that level,” Kaplan-Cho said.
Teachers also want parents to be notified every time there's an incident.
They said this is a problem that exists in many school districts; it's happening in the inner cities as well as affluent suburbs.
Click here to watch the video.
On Monday, some told lawmakers they're afraid to come to work and schools are doing very little to protect them.
"I was punched in the arm by two students who decided to wrestle in front of me. One had the other in a headlock, the other went to punch him but punched my arm instead,” said Heidi Kapszukiewicz, who is a retired Norwich teacher.
She is still recovering from her injuries. She had a torn rotator cuff and needed surgery, and it's not her first injury.
"No, I’ve had had numerous injuries from more students. They tore my rotator cuff on the other arm the year before,” Kapszukiewicz said.
"We've been put in a position where we see no other alternatives. Our repeated calls have not been met,” said Robyn Kaplan-Cho, of the Connecticut Education Association.
The association is telling lawmakers that disruptive students are taken out of the classroom for a short period of time but are often brought right back, and the aggressive behavior continues.
They are looking for more resources. They want more social workers, and that incidents of violations must be reported.
They also want administrators to follow up on consistent violent behavior, and to allow teachers to remove students who have assaulted someone or are a threat.
"We are seeing this most prevalent at the elementary level and even pre-school and those schools are definitely not set up to deal with these problems at that level,” Kaplan-Cho said.
Teachers also want parents to be notified every time there's an incident.
They said this is a problem that exists in many school districts; it's happening in the inner cities as well as affluent suburbs.
Click here to watch the video.
*CEA's Early Career Teachers Pensions Workshops*
Planning for the Future:
Pension Issues for Early Career Teachers
Please see the attached flyer for more details.
Pension Issues for Early Career Teachers
Please see the attached flyer for more details.
*Teaching About Controversial Issues*
There has been a change in policy with regards to teaching about controversial issues - no personal opinions allowed.
Please see the attached link for more information.
Please see the attached link for more information.
*March 24, 2018 - March For Our Lives*
CEA is participating in the March for Our Lives community action rallies organized by students.
Teachers, students, and parents are encouraged to join CEA at a 12:30 rally being held at the State Capitol in Hartford on March 24. We will be meeting at CEA at 12:15 and walking over to the rally together.
Teachers, students, and parents are encouraged to join CEA at a 12:30 rally being held at the State Capitol in Hartford on March 24. We will be meeting at CEA at 12:15 and walking over to the rally together.
*CCJEF Ruling Fails Connecticut Students*
Strikes down overreaching mandates but allows state to continue underfunding schools
Last Wednesday's State Supreme Court ruling in the Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding (CCJEF) v. Rell delivered a mixed verdict—bad for school funding, while rejecting the lower court’s attempt to create burdensome schemes for testing, teacher evaluation, and education policy.
The key issue in the CCJEF case was whether school funding in Connecticut is adequate. On this issue, the Court found that state funding meets the minimally adequate level required. This finding flies in the face of mounting evidence of poorly funded and resourced public schools throughout the state, especially in high poverty communities.
“This decision fails to protect education funding,” said CEA President Sheila Cohen. “Communities all over Connecticut have already seen the state withdraw from its obligation to fund our public schools,” Cohen observed. “Rather than protect the quality of education in our communities, this decision allows the governor and the legislature to continue to slash funding to our schools and children.”
While Connecticut’s schools and students on the whole do well compared to those in other states and countries, high-poverty districts have continuing challenges and achievement gaps as well as fewer resources and local revenues to support their schools.
The decision also rejected an attempt by the lower court judge to usurp the authority of the governor, legislature, and state department of education in setting educational policy and mandates on a variety issues. The State Supreme Court found no legal or constitutional authority for the judge to assume such authority.
“If Connecticut is to be an educational leader now and in the future,” said Cohen, “it will require that elected officials honor their duty to provide the equitable funding and resources all children deserve.” She added, “CEA stands ready to work with educational partners toward this goal of fully funding our public schools. The future of our students and our state depend on it.”
Last Wednesday's State Supreme Court ruling in the Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding (CCJEF) v. Rell delivered a mixed verdict—bad for school funding, while rejecting the lower court’s attempt to create burdensome schemes for testing, teacher evaluation, and education policy.
The key issue in the CCJEF case was whether school funding in Connecticut is adequate. On this issue, the Court found that state funding meets the minimally adequate level required. This finding flies in the face of mounting evidence of poorly funded and resourced public schools throughout the state, especially in high poverty communities.
“This decision fails to protect education funding,” said CEA President Sheila Cohen. “Communities all over Connecticut have already seen the state withdraw from its obligation to fund our public schools,” Cohen observed. “Rather than protect the quality of education in our communities, this decision allows the governor and the legislature to continue to slash funding to our schools and children.”
While Connecticut’s schools and students on the whole do well compared to those in other states and countries, high-poverty districts have continuing challenges and achievement gaps as well as fewer resources and local revenues to support their schools.
The decision also rejected an attempt by the lower court judge to usurp the authority of the governor, legislature, and state department of education in setting educational policy and mandates on a variety issues. The State Supreme Court found no legal or constitutional authority for the judge to assume such authority.
“If Connecticut is to be an educational leader now and in the future,” said Cohen, “it will require that elected officials honor their duty to provide the equitable funding and resources all children deserve.” She added, “CEA stands ready to work with educational partners toward this goal of fully funding our public schools. The future of our students and our state depend on it.”
*ECS Special Session lETTER*
Please see the attached letter to Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff with regards to cuts in ECS funding.
*Message from CEA President Sheila Cohen regarding TEAM funds*
Greetings, All.
The following has come to our attention and needs to be shared with our members, particularly our newest teachers and their mentors.
SDE says 100% of TEAM funds were cut in the new state budget ($3 million). That includes all state funds for stipends, for training and RESCs, and other programmatic costs. The budget was not released for public scrutiny until the legislature was voting on it, so SDE is now unpacking all of the implications of cuts that were not vetted by the department. Unfortunately, the TEAM program line item in the budget was apparently called "Talent," and legislators thought the $3 million was not earmarked for critical programs.
As a result, SDE is saying they will not be able to pay stipends for mentors, nor pay for the scoring of the five reflection papers--so they are waiving that requirement. SDE is not happy about this and is trying to determine how the TEAM program can be salvaged between now and next session, when there could be a request to restore the funding.
That is what we know at this point. We will keep everyone apprised and current as developments occur.
Sincerely,
Sheila
The following has come to our attention and needs to be shared with our members, particularly our newest teachers and their mentors.
SDE says 100% of TEAM funds were cut in the new state budget ($3 million). That includes all state funds for stipends, for training and RESCs, and other programmatic costs. The budget was not released for public scrutiny until the legislature was voting on it, so SDE is now unpacking all of the implications of cuts that were not vetted by the department. Unfortunately, the TEAM program line item in the budget was apparently called "Talent," and legislators thought the $3 million was not earmarked for critical programs.
As a result, SDE is saying they will not be able to pay stipends for mentors, nor pay for the scoring of the five reflection papers--so they are waiving that requirement. SDE is not happy about this and is trying to determine how the TEAM program can be salvaged between now and next session, when there could be a request to restore the funding.
That is what we know at this point. We will keep everyone apprised and current as developments occur.
Sincerely,
Sheila
*Statement from CEA President Sheila Cohen on Passage of Bipartisan State Budget*
CEA's fight for a fair budget that invests in public education has ended in the legislature with a bipartisan agreement that does not substantially cut ECS funding or shift the cost of teacher retirement onto cities and towns. Under this budget, education funding for the state’s poorest districts would not be cut, and the remaining 139 school districts would lose five percent of funding. Next year, some of the funding is restored under an updated distribution formula. Click here to see how your district fares under this budget.
While we do not agree with everything in the budget, we do appreciate the effort of legislators to protect education funding for our students and schools and to solve the budget impasse. This agreement restores much-needed funding to our school districts, preventing teacher layoffs as well as cuts to programs and resources that would have led to larger class sizes and fewer opportunities for our students.
Thank you to the many thousands of you who contacted your legislators. Many of you received responses from your legislators telling you that CEA was misleading you. Armed with the facts, you fought back and set the record straight. You urged them to invest in public education—and together our voices were heard.
We are dismayed, however, that after receiving tens of thousands of emails and calls from teachers, legislators still voted to increase the payroll tax on teachers. While we appreciate the fact that legislators reduced the two-percent increase in the teacher tax down to one percent, this increase does not strengthen the teacher retirement fund—it simply allows the state to reduce its share and pocket the $38 million in new tax dollars paid by teachers. This is wrong because teachers have reliably contributed their fair share every year.
These 117 days without a budget have been extremely tough and anxious for all of us, but especially for our students, our schools, and our teachers—who were targeted with a variety of cuts to close the state budget shortfall. We all recognize the challenges facing the state and the tough decisions that must be made, and going forward we encourage legislators to not shortchange students, their futures, and the future of our state.
Thank you for your advocacy. We made a difference, and we will continue to be stronger together.
While we do not agree with everything in the budget, we do appreciate the effort of legislators to protect education funding for our students and schools and to solve the budget impasse. This agreement restores much-needed funding to our school districts, preventing teacher layoffs as well as cuts to programs and resources that would have led to larger class sizes and fewer opportunities for our students.
Thank you to the many thousands of you who contacted your legislators. Many of you received responses from your legislators telling you that CEA was misleading you. Armed with the facts, you fought back and set the record straight. You urged them to invest in public education—and together our voices were heard.
We are dismayed, however, that after receiving tens of thousands of emails and calls from teachers, legislators still voted to increase the payroll tax on teachers. While we appreciate the fact that legislators reduced the two-percent increase in the teacher tax down to one percent, this increase does not strengthen the teacher retirement fund—it simply allows the state to reduce its share and pocket the $38 million in new tax dollars paid by teachers. This is wrong because teachers have reliably contributed their fair share every year.
These 117 days without a budget have been extremely tough and anxious for all of us, but especially for our students, our schools, and our teachers—who were targeted with a variety of cuts to close the state budget shortfall. We all recognize the challenges facing the state and the tough decisions that must be made, and going forward we encourage legislators to not shortchange students, their futures, and the future of our state.
Thank you for your advocacy. We made a difference, and we will continue to be stronger together.
*Teachers Teaching Success*
The second in a pair of CEA TV commercials highlighting the important work of public school teachers is now on air.
The ad draws attention to the teachers who recognize each student's true potential and provide the encouragement, inspiration, and support to help every student achieve—because every student matters and every teacher matters.
The ad draws attention to the teachers who recognize each student's true potential and provide the encouragement, inspiration, and support to help every student achieve—because every student matters and every teacher matters.
*New CEA Ad Campaign Puts Students, Teachers, and Public Schools in the Spotlight*
Our public schools are filled with teachers who recognize each student’s true potential and provide the encouragement, inspiration, and support to help every student achieve, because every student matters and every teacher matters.
That is the core message of a new public awareness advertising campaign sponsored by the Connecticut Education Association and the National Education Association.
The TV, radio, and online ads underscore the vital role of teachers in our public schools. The ads remind the public that teachers are critical to the success of every child—and to our state’s success as well.
“During these uncertain times facing our public schools and with devastating cuts to education budgets across the state, the ads are a reminder of the need to support Connecticut’s public schools and the passionate teachers who help our students achieve,” said CEA President Sheila Cohen. “Supporting our public schools and dedicated teachers is an investment in our children’s future, and in our own future as a state.”
The ads showcase the importance of every student and every teacher and emphasize that, “Our students can’t succeed without dedicated teachers—caring, smart, passionate teachers.”
Connecticut teachers are featured throughout the ads, including Maryann Caron of East Haddam, Ethan Spinelli of Hebron, Evan Krawiec of Wallingford, Shay Lewis of CREC in Bloomfield, Leslie Pickman of Suffield, Danny Martins of Hamden, and Michelle McKnight, Katrina Torres, and Amy Angelo of Manchester.
The teachers in the ads and the thousands of dedicated, committed teachers across the state recognize their students’ needs and help them succeed and reach new heights every day.
“Teaching is about making personal connections and engaging students in learning and helping them achieve,” said Pickman, a second grade teacher at Spaulding Elementary School in Suffield.
“Teachers are constantly thinking about ways to help our students learn. I like to give my students a chance to try new things and figure out who they are and help them grow,” said Krawiec, a social studies teacher at Sheehan High School in Wallingford.
“I look at struggling students and also those who need to be challenged and find different ways to solve problems and empower them,” said McKnight, a math interventionist at Washington Elementary School in Manchester.
The TV ad ends with the final message, “Well-resourced public schools and dedicated teachers unlock our children’s potential, and that spells success for all of us. Every student matters. Every teacher matters.”
The month-long campaign will air on Connecticut’s major television networks, cable channels, radio stations, and online news sites beginning on October 8.
The Connecticut Education Association represents 43,000 teachers in Connecticut.
For further information contact Nancy Andrews at 860-725-6317, nancya@cea.org.
Click here to view the TV ad Every Student Matters, Every Teacher Matters.
Listen to the radio ad.
That is the core message of a new public awareness advertising campaign sponsored by the Connecticut Education Association and the National Education Association.
The TV, radio, and online ads underscore the vital role of teachers in our public schools. The ads remind the public that teachers are critical to the success of every child—and to our state’s success as well.
“During these uncertain times facing our public schools and with devastating cuts to education budgets across the state, the ads are a reminder of the need to support Connecticut’s public schools and the passionate teachers who help our students achieve,” said CEA President Sheila Cohen. “Supporting our public schools and dedicated teachers is an investment in our children’s future, and in our own future as a state.”
The ads showcase the importance of every student and every teacher and emphasize that, “Our students can’t succeed without dedicated teachers—caring, smart, passionate teachers.”
Connecticut teachers are featured throughout the ads, including Maryann Caron of East Haddam, Ethan Spinelli of Hebron, Evan Krawiec of Wallingford, Shay Lewis of CREC in Bloomfield, Leslie Pickman of Suffield, Danny Martins of Hamden, and Michelle McKnight, Katrina Torres, and Amy Angelo of Manchester.
The teachers in the ads and the thousands of dedicated, committed teachers across the state recognize their students’ needs and help them succeed and reach new heights every day.
“Teaching is about making personal connections and engaging students in learning and helping them achieve,” said Pickman, a second grade teacher at Spaulding Elementary School in Suffield.
“Teachers are constantly thinking about ways to help our students learn. I like to give my students a chance to try new things and figure out who they are and help them grow,” said Krawiec, a social studies teacher at Sheehan High School in Wallingford.
“I look at struggling students and also those who need to be challenged and find different ways to solve problems and empower them,” said McKnight, a math interventionist at Washington Elementary School in Manchester.
The TV ad ends with the final message, “Well-resourced public schools and dedicated teachers unlock our children’s potential, and that spells success for all of us. Every student matters. Every teacher matters.”
The month-long campaign will air on Connecticut’s major television networks, cable channels, radio stations, and online news sites beginning on October 8.
The Connecticut Education Association represents 43,000 teachers in Connecticut.
For further information contact Nancy Andrews at 860-725-6317, nancya@cea.org.
Click here to view the TV ad Every Student Matters, Every Teacher Matters.
Listen to the radio ad.
*The Facts About The Teacher Tax*
~Teachers currently pay a 6% payroll tax to support the retirement pensions.
~The Republican budget increases the payroll tax by 2% over the next two years, for a total of 8% in 2018.
~For the average teacher, this additional 2% will cost more than $1,500 per year.
~The dollars will then be used to supplant payments the state is making into the teacher retirement fund, allowing the state to keep almost $100 million to balance the budget.
The increased teacher payroll tax will generate almost $100 million to reduce the state state's deficit, instead of reducing the unfunded liability for teacher retirement.
~The Republican budget increases the payroll tax by 2% over the next two years, for a total of 8% in 2018.
~For the average teacher, this additional 2% will cost more than $1,500 per year.
~The dollars will then be used to supplant payments the state is making into the teacher retirement fund, allowing the state to keep almost $100 million to balance the budget.
The increased teacher payroll tax will generate almost $100 million to reduce the state state's deficit, instead of reducing the unfunded liability for teacher retirement.
*State Budget Update*
Throughout the state budget process, CEA members have been strong advocates. In just the last three days, more than 4,000 emails were sent by CEA members to their representatives and state senators. Here’s what happened at the Capitol yesterday: Democrats were expected to pass their budget.
In the State Senate three Democrats—Paul Doyle, Gayle Slossberg, and Joan Hartley—all voted for the Republican budget. As a result, the Republican budget proposal passed by a vote of 21 to 15.
In the House, six Democrats voted with the Republicans to adopt the Republican budget as the amended budget—Pat Boyd, John Hampton, Lonnie Reed, Kim Rose, Danny Rovero, and Cristin McCarthy Vahey (McCarthy Vahey, later switched and voted against it). It passed 77 to 73. The governor has said that he will veto the budget.
A bi-partisan budget--different than the one passed yesterday--could be a good solution for Connecticut, but only if it does not attack public education, students, teachers, and essential collective bargaining rights that protect employees.
What does the Republican budget do as to collective bargaining and education?
It imposes a 2% increase in teacher contributions to the retirement fund, which would cost the average teacher $1,500 per year.
It does not impose a cost shift of teacher retirement responsibilities onto towns.
It ends collective bargaining for state employee pensions, imposes changes in their pensions after 2027 (when the current labor agreement expires), and starts counting those savings in the proposed biennial budget. For example, the budget banks $270 million in savings in the next two years based on savings that are projected to occur after 2027. And that assumes that ending collective bargaining as to state employee pensions withstands a legal challenge.
Allows towns to override arbitration decisions with a 2/3rds vote of the local legislative bodies (i.e., two out of three selectman, six out of nine city councilors).
Eliminates the Minimum Budget Requirement (MBR) for municipal education support.
Allows towns to reopen collective bargaining agreements if education aid is reduced by 10% or more.
Requires that 15% of a town’s budget reserve shall not be considered toward a town’s ability to pay.
Allows schools and towns to use volunteers of adults or children for town services regardless of collective bargaining agreements.
Contains numerous provisions that transfer power from the board of education to the board of finance or mayor/board of selectmen. For example, the town (not the board of education) must authorize leases of school equipment, computers, portable classrooms, etc.; the town must approve hiring new school positions not specifically enumerated in the budget, etc.
ECS: The Republican budget restores most of Governor Malloy’s proposed ECS cuts, but cuts some large districts. Bridgeport loses $4 million, East Hartford loses $4 million, New Haven loses $3 million, and West Hartford loses $1 million.
The Republican budget also eliminates the Clean Elections Program, imposes additional labor savings while also incorporating the $1.5 billion state employee concession package negotiated by Governor Malloy, adopts the Hospital Tax expansion proposed by Malloy (where the state receives more federal reimbursement), and proposes major cuts in higher education.
These are just some of many details that stretch over 700 pages.
Again, the governor says he will veto the Republican budget, which will send the process back to the beginning, with increased leverage for Republican leadership.
We will send out additional updates as we learn more.
In the State Senate three Democrats—Paul Doyle, Gayle Slossberg, and Joan Hartley—all voted for the Republican budget. As a result, the Republican budget proposal passed by a vote of 21 to 15.
In the House, six Democrats voted with the Republicans to adopt the Republican budget as the amended budget—Pat Boyd, John Hampton, Lonnie Reed, Kim Rose, Danny Rovero, and Cristin McCarthy Vahey (McCarthy Vahey, later switched and voted against it). It passed 77 to 73. The governor has said that he will veto the budget.
A bi-partisan budget--different than the one passed yesterday--could be a good solution for Connecticut, but only if it does not attack public education, students, teachers, and essential collective bargaining rights that protect employees.
What does the Republican budget do as to collective bargaining and education?
It imposes a 2% increase in teacher contributions to the retirement fund, which would cost the average teacher $1,500 per year.
It does not impose a cost shift of teacher retirement responsibilities onto towns.
It ends collective bargaining for state employee pensions, imposes changes in their pensions after 2027 (when the current labor agreement expires), and starts counting those savings in the proposed biennial budget. For example, the budget banks $270 million in savings in the next two years based on savings that are projected to occur after 2027. And that assumes that ending collective bargaining as to state employee pensions withstands a legal challenge.
Allows towns to override arbitration decisions with a 2/3rds vote of the local legislative bodies (i.e., two out of three selectman, six out of nine city councilors).
Eliminates the Minimum Budget Requirement (MBR) for municipal education support.
Allows towns to reopen collective bargaining agreements if education aid is reduced by 10% or more.
Requires that 15% of a town’s budget reserve shall not be considered toward a town’s ability to pay.
Allows schools and towns to use volunteers of adults or children for town services regardless of collective bargaining agreements.
Contains numerous provisions that transfer power from the board of education to the board of finance or mayor/board of selectmen. For example, the town (not the board of education) must authorize leases of school equipment, computers, portable classrooms, etc.; the town must approve hiring new school positions not specifically enumerated in the budget, etc.
ECS: The Republican budget restores most of Governor Malloy’s proposed ECS cuts, but cuts some large districts. Bridgeport loses $4 million, East Hartford loses $4 million, New Haven loses $3 million, and West Hartford loses $1 million.
The Republican budget also eliminates the Clean Elections Program, imposes additional labor savings while also incorporating the $1.5 billion state employee concession package negotiated by Governor Malloy, adopts the Hospital Tax expansion proposed by Malloy (where the state receives more federal reimbursement), and proposes major cuts in higher education.
These are just some of many details that stretch over 700 pages.
Again, the governor says he will veto the Republican budget, which will send the process back to the beginning, with increased leverage for Republican leadership.
We will send out additional updates as we learn more.
*CEA Retirement Workshops*
Understand and Plan Your Retirement
Retirement may seem like a long way off, but in reality, it is never too early to plan for the future.
There is still time to register for CEA’s regional retirement workshops which begin next week and will be held across the state during the fall and early spring. These workshops provide CEA members with a comprehensive explanation and review of the benefits and rules related to the State Teachers’ Retirement System.
Go to www.cea.org to register.
It’s never too early to plan for the future!
October 5, 2017: Darien High School - Darien
October 11, 2017J: own F. Kennedy High School - Waterbury
October 19, 2017: Parish Hill Middle High School - Chaplin
October 26, 2017: Portland Secondary School (Portland High School and Portland Middle School) - Portland
November 2, 2017: Amity High School - Woodbridge
November 16, 2017: Saxe Middle School - New Canaan
November 30, 2017: South Windsor High School - South Windsor
March 19, 2018: Enfield High School - Enfield
March 29, 2018: Broadview Middle School - Danbury
April 2, 2018: Montville High School - Montville
Retirement may seem like a long way off, but in reality, it is never too early to plan for the future.
There is still time to register for CEA’s regional retirement workshops which begin next week and will be held across the state during the fall and early spring. These workshops provide CEA members with a comprehensive explanation and review of the benefits and rules related to the State Teachers’ Retirement System.
Go to www.cea.org to register.
It’s never too early to plan for the future!
October 5, 2017: Darien High School - Darien
October 11, 2017J: own F. Kennedy High School - Waterbury
October 19, 2017: Parish Hill Middle High School - Chaplin
October 26, 2017: Portland Secondary School (Portland High School and Portland Middle School) - Portland
November 2, 2017: Amity High School - Woodbridge
November 16, 2017: Saxe Middle School - New Canaan
November 30, 2017: South Windsor High School - South Windsor
March 19, 2018: Enfield High School - Enfield
March 29, 2018: Broadview Middle School - Danbury
April 2, 2018: Montville High School - Montville
*State Budget Update*
Throughout the state budget process, CEA members have been strong advocates. In just the last three days, more than 4,000 emails were sent by CEA members to their representatives and state senators. Here’s what happened at the Capitol yesterday: Democrats were expected to pass their budget.
In the State Senate three Democrats—Paul Doyle, Gayle Slossberg, and Joan Hartley—all voted for the Republican budget. As a result, the Republican budget proposal passed by a vote of 21 to 15.
In the House, six Democrats voted with the Republicans to adopt the Republican budget as the amended budget—Pat Boyd, John Hampton, Lonnie Reed, Kim Rose, Danny Rovero, and Cristin McCarthy Vahey (McCarthy Vahey, later switched and voted against it). It passed 77 to 73. The governor has said that he will veto the budget.
A bi-partisan budget--different than the one passed yesterday--could be a good solution for Connecticut, but only if it does not attack public education, students, teachers, and essential collective bargaining rights that protect employees.
What does the Republican budget do as to collective bargaining and education?
It imposes a 2% increase in teacher contributions to the retirement fund, which would cost the average teacher $1,500 per year.
It does not impose a cost shift of teacher retirement responsibilities onto towns.
It ends collective bargaining for state employee pensions, imposes changes in their pensions after 2027 (when the current labor agreement expires), and starts counting those savings in the proposed biennial budget. For example, the budget banks $270 million in savings in the next two years based on savings that are projected to occur after 2027. And that assumes that ending collective bargaining as to state employee pensions withstands a legal challenge.
Allows towns to override arbitration decisions with a 2/3rds vote of the local legislative bodies (i.e., two out of three selectman, six out of nine city councilors).
Eliminates the Minimum Budget Requirement (MBR) for municipal education support.
Allows towns to reopen collective bargaining agreements if education aid is reduced by 10% or more.
Requires that 15% of a town’s budget reserve shall not be considered toward a town’s ability to pay.
Allows schools and towns to use volunteers of adults or children for town services regardless of collective bargaining agreements.
Contains numerous provisions that transfer power from the board of education to the board of finance or mayor/board of selectmen. For example, the town (not the board of education) must authorize leases of school equipment, computers, portable classrooms, etc.; the town must approve hiring new school positions not specifically enumerated in the budget, etc.
ECS: The Republican budget restores most of Governor Malloy’s proposed ECS cuts, but cuts some large districts. Bridgeport loses $4 million, East Hartford loses $4 million, New Haven loses $3 million, and West Hartford loses $1 million.
The Republican budget also eliminates the Clean Elections Program, imposes additional labor savings while also incorporating the $1.5 billion state employee concession package negotiated by Governor Malloy, adopts the Hospital Tax expansion proposed by Malloy (where the state receives more federal reimbursement), and proposes major cuts in higher education.
These are just some of many details that stretch over 700 pages.
Again, the governor says he will veto the Republican budget, which will send the process back to the beginning, with increased leverage for Republican leadership.
We will send out additional updates as we learn more.
In the State Senate three Democrats—Paul Doyle, Gayle Slossberg, and Joan Hartley—all voted for the Republican budget. As a result, the Republican budget proposal passed by a vote of 21 to 15.
In the House, six Democrats voted with the Republicans to adopt the Republican budget as the amended budget—Pat Boyd, John Hampton, Lonnie Reed, Kim Rose, Danny Rovero, and Cristin McCarthy Vahey (McCarthy Vahey, later switched and voted against it). It passed 77 to 73. The governor has said that he will veto the budget.
A bi-partisan budget--different than the one passed yesterday--could be a good solution for Connecticut, but only if it does not attack public education, students, teachers, and essential collective bargaining rights that protect employees.
What does the Republican budget do as to collective bargaining and education?
It imposes a 2% increase in teacher contributions to the retirement fund, which would cost the average teacher $1,500 per year.
It does not impose a cost shift of teacher retirement responsibilities onto towns.
It ends collective bargaining for state employee pensions, imposes changes in their pensions after 2027 (when the current labor agreement expires), and starts counting those savings in the proposed biennial budget. For example, the budget banks $270 million in savings in the next two years based on savings that are projected to occur after 2027. And that assumes that ending collective bargaining as to state employee pensions withstands a legal challenge.
Allows towns to override arbitration decisions with a 2/3rds vote of the local legislative bodies (i.e., two out of three selectman, six out of nine city councilors).
Eliminates the Minimum Budget Requirement (MBR) for municipal education support.
Allows towns to reopen collective bargaining agreements if education aid is reduced by 10% or more.
Requires that 15% of a town’s budget reserve shall not be considered toward a town’s ability to pay.
Allows schools and towns to use volunteers of adults or children for town services regardless of collective bargaining agreements.
Contains numerous provisions that transfer power from the board of education to the board of finance or mayor/board of selectmen. For example, the town (not the board of education) must authorize leases of school equipment, computers, portable classrooms, etc.; the town must approve hiring new school positions not specifically enumerated in the budget, etc.
ECS: The Republican budget restores most of Governor Malloy’s proposed ECS cuts, but cuts some large districts. Bridgeport loses $4 million, East Hartford loses $4 million, New Haven loses $3 million, and West Hartford loses $1 million.
The Republican budget also eliminates the Clean Elections Program, imposes additional labor savings while also incorporating the $1.5 billion state employee concession package negotiated by Governor Malloy, adopts the Hospital Tax expansion proposed by Malloy (where the state receives more federal reimbursement), and proposes major cuts in higher education.
These are just some of many details that stretch over 700 pages.
Again, the governor says he will veto the Republican budget, which will send the process back to the beginning, with increased leverage for Republican leadership.
We will send out additional updates as we learn more.
*Thank a Teacher*
Suffield on The Green - Thank a Teacher
This past weekend was the annual Suffield On The Green.
Mark Janick, SEA President, received a grant from CEA to have a booth there on behalf of the Suffield Education Association.
Mark's idea was "Thank a Teacher" where students, parents and other adults got to write thank you notes to any teacher in Suffield. It was a great way to connect Suffield teachers to the community.
There was a huge turnout with a positive outcome, over 500 thank you cards sent. A lot of parents in the community thought this was such a great thing to do.
This past weekend was the annual Suffield On The Green.
Mark Janick, SEA President, received a grant from CEA to have a booth there on behalf of the Suffield Education Association.
Mark's idea was "Thank a Teacher" where students, parents and other adults got to write thank you notes to any teacher in Suffield. It was a great way to connect Suffield teachers to the community.
There was a huge turnout with a positive outcome, over 500 thank you cards sent. A lot of parents in the community thought this was such a great thing to do.
*Helpful Links*
The following links will allow you quick access to some of the most frequently accessed sites associated with the SEA: