EDUCATION'S ROTTEN APPLES - CEAMay - June 2018 Volume 60, Number 6 Published by the Connecticut Education Association cea.org
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CEAAdvisor
May - June 2018 • Volume 60, Number 6 • Published by the Connecticut Education Association • cea.org
EDUCATION’S
ROTTEN APPLES
Anti-teacher forces trying to worm their way into public education | See pages 10-11
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2 CEA ADVISOR MAY - JUNE 2018 LEADING
THIS IS OUR MOMENT. THIS IS OUR MOVEMENT.
OUR Forty years ago, when teachers Your advocacy has made a huge that evaluates legislative
PERSPECTIVE in Bridgeport stood together and difference. We broke new ground candidates’ voting records on issues
went on strike, 274 of them were and moved legislators to take that matter to us. Just in time for
sent to jail. Hundreds of others historic action by passing Senate the 2018 election this fall, the
stood by their jailed colleagues, Bill 453, which protects teachers report card allows you to see the
marching in the streets and from student assaults and ensures true friends of education who
showing their unity and support. that disruptive students get the deserve your vote. (See story on
Because of these teachers supports they need to succeed. We page 7.)
advocating together, Connecticut were also instrumental in securing Electing pro-education
enacted binding arbitration, paving more ECS funding and restoring legislators is only half the battle.
the way for every teacher to belong TEAM and retiree health insurance We are also up against dozens of
to a union and work in an funding, but there is still much reform groups, financed by
environment of professional more work to be done. (See stories corporate interests, attacking
respect and dignity. on page 7.) public education and teachers.
Teachers’ bravery spoke Our combined advocacy put the Many of these groups are active
volumes then, and it still speaks face of CEA on the political map right here in Connecticut and are
Sheila Cohen volumes today. The lessons learned and let our adversaries know that working hard to discredit our union
CEA President in Bridgeport 40 years ago are we are a strong, united force and and divide us, in essence, trying to
empowering today’s educators will not sit idly by while our weaken our collective voice and our
across this nation to say, Enough. power. (See story on pages 10-11.)
(See story on page 5.) Never has
the message been more significant
“Unions have been the These corporate reform groups
are behind the Janus case, trying to
than during these tumultuous only powerful and break public-sector unions in this
times—as teachers from West country. As we await the U.S.
Virginia to Colorado stand in effective voice working Supreme Court decision in the
solidarity to fight for their students, people have ever had in Janus case, it is imperative for all
their schools, and their profession. members to understand that the
Together, tens of thousands of the history of this work we do benefits not only us but
teachers marching through the country.” our students and our communities.
streets in state after state, wearing CEA’s Because campaign
red for ed, have succeeded in Bruce Springsteen amplifies the work that locals are
turning a moment into a involved in by explaining all of the
Donald E. Williams Jr. movement. benefits of our union and
CEA Executive That is power. freedoms and our rights are encouraging members to become
Director That is influence. attacked. Make no mistake about active in ways they feel most
That makes a difference. it—there were many anti-union comfortable. (See story on page
These actions—a unified voice bills this past legislative session that 16.) We know that strong unions
and collective strength—have would have stripped us of our are the best vehicle working people
resulted in funding for public collective bargaining rights. We have to level the economic playing
schools, long-overdue pay raises for fought back on bills that would field for all Americans. In the
educators, much-needed resources, have denied us our rights to fair words of “The Boss,” Bruce
and more. wages, a secure retirement, good Springsteen, “Unions have been
Our colleagues right here in health benefits and working the only powerful and effective
Westport, Stratford, and conditions, and so much more. We voice working people have ever had
Bridgeport have shown us the know that many of these same bills in the history of this country.”
importance of stronger together. will be back again, and that is why When we stick together—making
They are just a few of the recent we have to continue to step up, our collective voice heard—
examples of the continuing and answer the challenges, and keep nothing can stop us.
building movement here in our moving forward, for the sake of our We need to make that difference
state to stand up for public students, our profession, and our outside the classroom as well. Just
education and funding for our belief that together we can change as the striking Bridgeport teachers
students and colleagues. (See public education for the better. did 40 years ago, and again now,
stories on page 4.) With the November elections we will fight for what is right.
You have been empowered to just months away, it is imperative We will not go away.
become strong advocates and to that we stick together and support We will not disappear.
speak up and speak out loudly and candidates who will stand up for us We will survive and thrive and
clearly, not just in your locals but at and who will fight for issues that stand shoulder to shoulder, heart to
the State Capitol. CEA’s Action make a difference for our schools, heart in unity, together, forever.
Alerts resulted in tens of thousands our students, and our futures. It is This is our moment. Make this
of you sending emails, making one of the reasons CEA has moved moment our movement.
phone calls, meeting with your away from endorsements to a new May 22, 2018
legislators, and writing testimony. report card and honor roll system
On a personal note
As most of you know, I will be retiring this summer. As I contemplate the
last few weeks of my term, I am not dwelling on the difficulties we face, the
hardships we have endured, or the sacrifices we have made. Instead, I am
reveling in the many ways all of you stepped up, answered the challenges,
and kept moving forward for the sake of your students, your profession, and
our belief that together we can change our public education for the better.
Teaching is a calling. We devote our entire lives, our entire being to it.
Even when faced with daunting challenges, constantly changing mandates,
frustrations that can bring us to tears, funding cuts to education, and
political attacks on our profession and our union, teaching is still the best
job in the world.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be the president of this
remarkable Association. I am grateful from the bottom of my heart to all our leaders, members, and colleagues
who have supported me and worked diligently to advocate for students and our profession.
I will miss the moments I have spent with all of you, working to improve our profession and public education.
My achievements are our achievements, and they would not have been possible without you. Thank you for your
passion, dedication, strength, and inspiration. But mostly, I thank you for what you do each and every day. You do
indeed make a difference in the lives of your students.
Sheila Cohen, CEA President
MAY - JUNE 2018 CEA ADVISOR 3
IN THIS ISSUE NEWS BRIEFS
2 LEADING
As teachers rise up for public education,
we are reminded not only of landmark
movements like the Bridgeport strike of New Venue, New Format for CEA Summer Conference
1978 but also of the challenges ahead—and August 6-7 | Red Lion Hotel, Cromwell
the need to stay strong together. Retiring cea.org/summerconference2018
President Sheila Cohen reflects on her
leadership, her legacy, and her hope for a
bright future for public education. This year’s conference continues its focus on • Grievance Processing
organizing, working conditions, member • Organizing to Build Power
4 UNITING engagement, and preparing for the outcome of • Negotiations
Mirroring the teachers’ movement across the Janus decision. • New Presidents Training
the country, Connecticut teachers are In addition to training on member
battling back against harmful cuts to public engagement, signing up members, and action
education. planning, participants may choose one of the
5 COMMEMORATING following two-day workshop sessions:
Hundreds—including jailed strikers— • Be an Advocate for Your Profession
turn out to mark the anniversary of the • Building Representatives/Emerging Leaders
Bridgeport Teachers Strike, a movement
that turned the tide in Connecticut and that
serves as an example for teachers around
the nation 40 years later. Teachers to Hit the Links for Underprivileged Students
6 MOBILIZING Golf tournament raises funds for Connecticut schoolchildren
With midterm elections ahead, and
millions of students calling on elected The 24th annual Hands Across the Green
officials to represent them, CEA launches golf tournament will be held on Monday,
a voter registration drive in Connecticut July 16, at the Glastonbury Hills Country Club.
high schools. Retired teachers meet with Organized by the Connecticut Education
legislators on healthcare, teacher pensions, Foundation, CEA’s charitable arm, the
and public education.
tournament is CEF’s largest fundraiser of the
7 ADVOCATING year. All proceeds support the Children’s Fund,
CEA members, leaders, and staff score which provides essentials such as clothes,
important legislative victories that protect eyeglasses, medicine, and school supplies for
teachers’ working environment, benefits, children in need. Since 1994, Hands Across the
professional standards, and more. Green has raised more than half a million
dollars to help underserved children in public
8-9 REPRESENTING schools across the state.
At the 170th CEA RA, delegates elect new For more information about participating in
leaders, adopt a new budget and business the tournament or donating to CEF, visit
items, and honor local Associations cea.org/cef/hands-across-the-green.
and individuals for education and
communication outreach.
10-11 EXPOSING Notice of Vacancy for CEA Office of Treasurer
Ever wonder who’s behind the efforts
to undermine public education in Following the election at this year’s Those active members interested in being
Connecticut? Our list of bad actors—hiding Representative Assembly, a vacancy will exist as of elected to the office of CEA Treasurer should send
behind education-friendly names—includes July 15, 2018, for the office of CEA Treasurer. their written notice of intent to the Administrative
some of the most notorious corporate Pursuant to the CEA Constitution and CEA election Assistant for the Office of CEA President, Mary-Pat
reformers. policies, the treasurer shall be elected by the Soucy, at marypats@cea.org, to be received no
Board of Directors until the next annual meeting of later than 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, 2018. It is
14-15 HUMAN & CIVIL RIGHTS NEWS the Representative Assembly, at which time the anticipated that the Board of Directors will meet on
CEA recognizes members for their Assembly shall elect a successor for the unexpired July 20, 2018, and elect an interim treasurer at that
dedication to human and civil rights. Also, term. time.
learn about trauma-informed education,
protecting against student assault, changes
to Connecticut’s restraint and seclusion
law, and required Holocaust and genocide Get Involved in a CEA Commission or Committee
awareness education in Connecticut’s
social studies curriculum.
CEA is your professional organization. Help shape it by serving on one
of 11 CEA commissions or committees. For more information, go to
16 HELPING cea.org/members/commissions-committees.
CEA partnered with the Connecticut
Foundation for Dental Outreach to get
the word out to Connecticut children and
families about a clinic offering free dental CONNECT WITH CEA
care.
Summer savings cea.org facebook.com/ youtube.com/ blogCEA.org twitter.com/ instagram.com/ flickr.com/
for CEA members
CTEdAssoc ceavideo ceanews cea_teachers photos/ceapics
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4 CEA ADVISOR MAY - JUNE 2018 UNITING
WESTPORT EDUCATORS SCORE VICTORY
Teachers call for restoration of jobs, fair process in healthcare discussions
been extremely cooperative and
Wearing red for ed, like their willing to switch to the state
colleagues standing up for fair wages insurance plan to save the town
and education funding across the money—just as they had switched in
nation, 200 Westport teachers came 2010 and 2013 to plans that caused
together in a show of strength and “enormous disruption to our
solidarity before their town’s board members’ lives” but that saved the
of education. district “huge amounts of money.”
And their organizing efforts paid Horrigan said, “You can imagine
off: After threats to cut 160 teaching our shock when all nontenured
jobs and leave the remaining teachers teachers were told by their
with higher-than-average insurance administrators that they would be
premiums, administrators and the laid off. All of these 160 best and Westport teachers wore red in a show of solidarity with colleagues in their
district as well as in schools around the country.
board walked back their heavy- brightest had to put on a happy face
handed proposals—rescinding most all day Friday, despite this
of the layoff notices and reducing devastating news.” the State Partnership Plan. However,
teachers’ out-of-pocket insurance WEA members did not take the the response from the Board was
costs. threat lying down. coercive, with the intent of dividing
“This would not have happened if Enough Hundreds turned out for us by threatening the jobs of all 160
teachers hadn’t stood together,” said a board of education meeting to of this district’s newest teachers.”
Westport Education Association show their disappointment with the High school social studies teacher
(WEA) Co-President and NEA administration’s response and to John Bengston is one of the
Director John Horrigan. demonstrate support for one educators whose job was on the line.
All give, no get When the another, their students, and their Though he worried about his future
Westport Board of Education asked schools. Scenes like this have played and his students, he was heartened
teachers to join the state health out in Bridgeport, Stratford, and by his local Association’s swift and
insurance plan as a way of saving the other cities and towns where strong response to the situation.
town as much as $2 million to teachers are continually asked to do “WEA was out there speaking on
$3 million over the next year, WEA more with less. (See stories below.) our behalf, working for a better school
agreed and requested a modest At an April board of education climate, representing teachers and WEA Secretary April Harvey explains
a series of personal and financial
reduction in the percentage teachers meeting, Bedford Middle School students so that all sides are winners.”
sacrifices teachers have made.
paid for health insurance. In response, teacher April Harvey, who is WEA’s Not too late to make things
the administration delivered an secretary, explained it this way. right Despite a generally positive, layoff notices are just too much.
ultimatum and 160 nontenured “We’ve made concessions year after longstanding relationship with the Westport Education Association
teacher layoff notices—at a time year. And now we want to know Board, Horrigan said, WEA was members hold steadfast against any
when the town was poised to save when we will see some relief. being subject to “heavy-handed unfair practices that affect the
millions and add a new position—that Westport teachers are simply looking attempts to bully us into an classroom and jeopardize students’
of an assistant superintendent—with for a fair premium share for our agreement.” futures and teachers’ livelihoods.”
a six-figure salary. insurance. And the percent we’d be WEA Co-President Karen The teachers’ decision to organize
Horrigan underscored the fact paying is still higher than that of DeFelice agreed. and stand together paid off. Later
that WEA and its members have almost all the towns participating in “We want to be partners,” she that week, most layoff notices were
said, “but the tactics of ‘last best canceled, and healthcare premiums
offers,’ ultimatums, and surprise were decreased by 1.5 percent.
STRATFORD TEACHERS FIGHT TO
AVERT LAYOFFS—AND WIN
CEA Board members show their support for teachers striking in Arizona,
Oklahoma, and across the U.S.
At a town budget meeting in Stratford, hundreds of teachers, students, and
“Solving a budget crisis at the
community members made their views known by carrying signs and wearing
stickers with messages such as “Cuts Hurt Kids,” “Fund Public Schools,” and
expense of children is not OK.”
“Every Student Matters. Every Teacher Matters.” Bridgeport teacher Mary Krotki
At issue were $700,000 in education cuts and a proposal by the
superintendent to lay off 43 teachers, including half of the district’s reading
specialists, in the middle of the current school year.
“Stratford officials are once again trying to solve the town’s budget
problems on the backs of teachers,” said Stratford Education Association (SEA)
President Michael Fiorello, calling the proposed layoffs deeply troubling.
“Teachers should not be the ones continually asked to put out fires when
budgetary problems ignite. We continue to do all we can for our students, we
make sacrifices, we do more with less, but we can’t continue to jeopardize our
education system.”
“Stratford students, parents, and teachers deserve a long-term vision to
ensure high-quality public education,” said SEA Vice President Kristen Record.
On May 15, the district pulled back on all teacher layoffs, leaving
classrooms intact. Hours before a drastic budget measure affecting the district’s public schools
was set to take effect, Bridgeport teachers held a news conference drawing
While not every organizing effort ends in a victory, efforts such as these
attention to school officials’ refusal to hire substitute teachers—a decision
generate media attention, public support, and eventually the momentum
that threatened to disrupt learning and jeopardize student safety. Bridgeport
necessary to effect positive change for teachers, students, and public Education Association President and NEA Director Gary Peluchette (at
education. Your local Association and your CEA are with you every day, every podium) joined fellow BEA members in calling on administrators to reverse
step of the way. their decision and keep student safety and learning top priorities.
COMMEMORATING MAY - JUNE 2018 CEA ADVISOR 5
HUNDREDS MARK ANNIVERSARY OF BRIDGEPORT TEACHERS STRIKE
40 years later, message still relevant
Hundreds of active and retired Sandy Petrucelli-Carbone, one of shoulders of the Bridgeport teachers,
teachers, some of whom hadn’t seen the strikers in 1978, recalled the fear some of whom were jailed so that
each other in decades, gathered to she felt as she answered the judge on Connecticut teachers then, now, and
commemorate a historic milestone— the day she was sentenced. in the future could belong to unions
the Bridgeport teachers strike of “I was scared and shaking.” and work in an environment of
1978—which, for many, has brought After packing a small bag and professional respect and human
to mind the wave of uprisings and saying goodbye to her students and dignity.”
walkouts happening across the her family, she was loaded onto a Other speakers at the
country today. schoolbus and driven to a maximum- commemorative dinner included
“How ironic that the timing of security prison in Niantic. En route, Bridgeport Education Association
this 40th anniversary plays into the she remembers throngs of people President Gary Peluchette,
Supreme Court case of Janus v. gathered in the streets to cheer on Bridgeport strikers Ronald Remy and
AFSCME, an attack on the very the detained teachers. James Hodge, and the youngest
The first wave of arrests included
people who are here today and all “People everywhere were Bridgeport Spanish teacher Joe
strike supporter, Melanie Haslam
those we represent,” said CEA shouting, ‘We stick together!’” Vincenzi, who was handcuffed to Kolek, whose mother was three
President Sheila Cohen. “How Petrucelli-Carbone was one of history teacher Andy Figlar. At the months pregnant with her in the fall
ironic, as well, that the timing is dozens of strikers who attended the commemorative dinner, the two joined of 1978. Kolek is now a CEA
seemingly synchronized with what commemorative dinner in Bridgeport hands in solidarity and remembrance. attorney representing teachers.
has been happening in West on May 10, recalling their experience
Virginia, Oklahoma, Kentucky, with great emotion, pride, and the “Little did they know 40 years
Arizona, and soon, North Carolina.” hope that what they had achieved ago, and little do they know now,
Seeking fair wages and better would not soon be lost or forgotten. that when we are attacked, we stand
working conditions, including prep Some were seasoned veterans at the together,” said Cohen. “We stand
time and smaller class sizes, a total of time of the strike; for others, it was together strong, and we fight back.
274 Bridgeport teachers in 1978 were their first day on the job. The lessons learned in Connecticut
handcuffed, fined, and jailed, as well Forty years later Applauding the 40 years ago have helped embolden
as strip-searched, deloused, made to “spirit and courage of those teachers educators across this nation to say
use bathroom stalls without doors, in the face of a truly daunting ‘enough’—enough of professionals
and subject to other degradations. situation,” CEA Executive Director having to work multiple jobs in order
“The Bridgeport strike was a Donald Williams celebrated the fact to make a living wage, enough of
defining moment for our union,” said that as a result of the strike, the professionals having to purchase
Southington striker and retired Connecticut legislature passed the resources for their classrooms,
teacher Robert Brown, adding, “I am 1979 Teacher Collective Bargaining enough of state governments
honored to be in a room full of Act, which mandates binding eviscerating the rights of teachers CEA President Sheila Cohen
heroes—not only strikers from 1978 arbitration when teachers and the and making a mockery of their well- addressed active and retired teachers
but also every educator here who is districts they work for reach a deserved pensions and benefits. All of at a commemoration of the Bridgeport
still teaching today.” stalemate in contract negotiations. us here today stand upon the teachers strike.
Joe Zawawi, CEA Training Building Rep Says Member
and Organizational
Development Specialist Engagement Is What Makes
Unions Strong
If you haven’t met Joe Zawawi,
there’s a good chance you will.
Meet this month’s building rep
Zawawi, who started out as a superhero, Darien’s Katy Gale
CEA UniServ Rep, is now
responsible for statewide Member engagement is vital to a
organizing and leadership strong union, says Darien Building
development. Rep Katy Gale. When members are
What’s your primary focus? more engaged, she explains, they feel
JZ: This year we’ve done a lot empowered and capable of effecting
of ‘blitz’ organizing, where we go change.
into a school district and, working “My local has taken member
in pairs with a teacher from the engagement really seriously,” the
district, have conversations with fifth-grade Hindley Elementary
teachers during their prep time teacher says. “We have made it a
about what it’s like to work in point to meet one-on-one with
Zawawi at the 2018 March for Our
their school. These candid talks Lives in D.C.
almost every member and really
give us an idea of the challenges listen to them and hear about what’s
our members face and how we, as Mostly, I love being in the schools important to them. Now we can
a union, can support them. So far listening to teachers. Every school move forward and develop a plan to
we’ve had conversations with over has its own unique vibe. meet everyone’s needs.”
4,000 teachers in more than 125 What keeps you busy when Gale describes the one-on-one
schools. you’re not in schools? conversations as “phenomenal,”
I have been struck by how JZ: I help plan CEA’s Summer because they open up the lines of
willing teachers are to talk with us Conference, New Teacher communication and strengthen they have to elect pro-public
when we visit their schools, Conference, and trainings for new relationships between members and education candidates.
despite the fact that we’re local Association presidents. local Association leaders. “It’s so important for teachers to
invading their prep time. Teachers What did you do before CEA? She encourages other union get out and vote in November
understand what we are up against JZ: After receiving my master’s leaders, “If you haven’t done it in because we will be electing the
as a professional association and degree in labor studies from UMass your local, do it.” people who represent us and the
know that the path forward Amherst, I worked for AFT With so much competing for families of the students we teach,”
requires solidarity. I think we are Connecticut starting in 1992 as a teachers’ time and attention, Gale Gale says.
learning some powerful lessons field representative. says she makes sure her members She adds, “We have the power to
from our sisters and brothers in In your free time you… know, “The union isn’t me. The elect people who can do right by
states like West Virginia, Arizona, JZ: Hang out with the fam. I’ve union isn’t our CEA President Sheila public schools and the communities
Oklahoma, and Kentucky. been married to my wife, Michelle, Cohen. The union is all of us working we live in. That’s on us.”
What’s your favorite thing for 27 years. Our son, John, is a together.” If you are looking for assistance
about working for CEA? junior at UMass Amherst, and our As a building rep, Gale makes with one-on-ones or training in
JZ: There’s a lot that I love daughter, Ally, is a junior at sure teachers are informed about the teacher organizing, contact your
about this job. CEA employs some Suffield High School. issues that affect them in their local president, CEA UniServ
of the smartest, hardest-working What were you like as a kid? school, district, town, state, and Representative, or CEA Training and
people I have ever been around. I Any funny memories? nationally. With an important Organizational Development
love that every day is different. JZ: Sorry—I was a boring kid! election coming up this fall, Gale Specialist Joe Zawawi.
reminds members about the power
6 CEA ADVISOR MAY - JUNE 2018 MOBILIZING
TEACHERS TO STUDENTS: YOUR VOTE MATTERS
CEA helps launch voter registration drive in Connecticut high schools
CEA has proudly partnered with produced by CEA, featuring a web important connection between
the Registrars of Voters Association address—cea.org/vote—that takes voting and what happens in their
of Connecticut (ROVAC) on a voter students directly to the State of town, state, and country.”
registration drive in Connecticut’s Connecticut’s Online Voter Indeed, although young people
high schools that began May 1. Registration System. make up a large share of the voting-
The goal of the drive is to Their voice, their vote Speaking eligible population, they are often
encourage students who will be 18 at the ROVAC spring conference on underrepresented at the polls. Cohen
years of age on or before Election April 27, CEA President Sheila added, however, that this new
Day—November 6—to register to Cohen observed, “Teachers know generation “just might be different.”
vote, and because teachers play a the importance of voting, whether Encouraged by student activism on a
significant role in their students’ the election involves the budget for variety of issues this year, she
academic, social, and civic our local town or a national pointed out, many young people are
engagement, CEA members are a education policy in a presidential seeing the connection between
key part of the effort. election. We also know that it often voting and empowerment.
High school teachers throughout takes a few years of being out of And teachers are helping facilitate Retired Simsbury teachers Susan and
the state have been distributing school and working in the that understanding. Michael Day, Barkhamsted’s registrar
“Register to Vote” stickers, community before people see the “We teach students how to think and deputy registrar of voters, are
critically, stand up for themselves, grateful for CEA’s stickers encouraging
and communicate with civility and students to register to vote.
persuasion,” said Cohen. “We
celebrate when our students think elections on their terms.
about the world around them, find CEA Executive Director Donald
their voice, and speak out, and part Williams noted that young people
of what we teach them is that voting who register to vote as soon as they
is the cornerstone of democracy. We are eligible are more likely to vote
want students to understand that the that first time—and more likely to
polls can be a place to transform keep voting in the future.
their hopes, dreams, and priorities “We hope that by working
into action.” together on the voter registration
Lifelong learners, voters The drives in our schools, our efforts will
nonpartisan voter registration drive, result in enrolling as many new
led by teachers and local registrars, voters as possible,” Williams said.
seeks to ensure that students become Cohen added, “We want voting to
Registrars eagerly collect packets containing CEA’s “Register to Vote” stickers. fully enfranchised citizens who make be a lifelong habit that begins when
their own choice and participate in students turn 18.”
RETIRED TEACHERS’ LOBBYING EFFORTS PAY OFF
Millions in healthcare funding restored
“I always tell my colleagues,
‘Never go up against retired
teachers,’” Representative Matthew
Lesser told a crowd of retired
educators. “You guys are smart and
have a lot of time on your hands.”
More than 200 retired
Connecticut educators converged on
the Legislative Office Building for
Retired Teachers’ Lobby Day in
April to meet with Lesser and dozens
of other elected officials about issues
important to retired educators and
public education.
Rep. Matthew Lesser addresses over 200 retired educators at Retired Teachers’
The event, which included CEA- CEA-Retired Vice President Bill
Lobby Day. Murray and CEA-Retired member
Retired, the Association of Retired
Teachers of Connecticut (ARTC), Joseph Jankowski wait to talk to their
legislators.
and AFT Connecticut, brought the precipice of bankruptcy. Cohen urged retired teachers to
longtime educators and legislators “We went from having 9 percent keep the conversation going and keep
face to face to discuss issues to 33 percent of our healthcare paid the pressure on. “We can’t just sit public pensions. Look for candidates
important to both retired and active for this year—that’s a huge success,” by,” he said. “We need to be more who are going to support us.”
teachers. And their activism paid off. said CEA-Retired Legislative focused on voting for candidates who Legislators share concerns At
“Those of you who went to Committee Co-Chair Myles Cohen. support our healthcare and our Retired Teachers’ Lobby Day, Rep.
Retired Lobby Day, who reached out “Full state funding for the Retired pensions. Whether you’re a Democrat Antonio Guerrera told teachers, “I
to your legislators, I can’t thank you Teachers’ Health Insurance Fund or Republican, with the primaries am with you 110 percent. As
enough,” CEA Executive Director has been one of our top priorities in coming up this August it’s essential to legislators, we have dropped the ball
Donald Williams told members of recent years,” Williams agreed, look at where candidates stand on our when it comes to fully funding your
CEA-Retired at their annual spring thanking CEA-Retired members for issues. There are candidates for retirement. Many of my colleagues
meeting. “You made a tremendous their hard work. governor who want to eliminate now have an opportunity to put that
difference and had a big impact on money back where it should be.”
the legislature this year.” “This is your building,” added
How big a difference? In the House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz.
budget that passed the Connecticut “Share your thoughts and ideas. We
General Assembly, legislators do take them to heart.”
designated $35 million for the Retired teachers did just that,
Retired Teachers’ Health Insurance scheduling face-to-face meetings
Fund—contributing their full share with their lawmakers, telling their
for the first time in many years. personal stories, and holding elected
While the state is supposed to officials to account. Their presence
contribute one-third of the fund’s made a difference.
actuarially required amount (with “I urge you to continue to stay in
retired teachers and active teachers touch with your legislators,” said
each contributing one-third as well), CEA-Retired President Gloria
the state has not been funding its More than a dozen retired educators talked to Senator Mae Flexer about their Brown. “When we talk to them,
share recently—putting the fund on health insurance and the need to roll back the teacher tax. things happen.”
ADVOCATING MAY - JUNE 2018 CEA ADVISOR 7
TEACHER ADVOCACY RESULTS IN MULTIPLE WINS AT THE STATE CAPITOL
Protection against student assault, restored TEAM, ECS, retiree healthcare funding among big wins; more work ahead
T
hanks to strong lobbying and advocacy efforts from staff, leaders, and
members, CEA was able to get several important bills past the goal line
this legislative session. They include bills that protect educators against
student assault, maintain high teacher certification standards, safeguard
teacher pensions and retiree healthcare, restore TEAM funding for new
teachers, and preserve critical state dollars for our public schools.
Throughout the legislative session, CEA emailed members, alerting them to
key bills making their way through the General Assembly and action needed to
defeat negative proposals and advance those that support public education.
Members responded in force to CEA’s Action Alerts, with tens of
thousands of teachers reaching out to local lawmakers and legislative leaders to
explain how various bills would either help or harm their schools and to urge
the best action on those bills. Communication such as this makes a difference.
When legislators fail to hear from their teacher constituents, they may not
understand the positive or negative effects certain legislation could have in the
classroom, or they may think the issues are unimportant to teachers.
Here are some key achievements this legislative session that would not
have been possible without strong CEA advocacy.
CLASSROOM SAFETY study of the teachers’ retirement MINORITY TEACHER have been successfully implemented
system to analyze alternative funding RECRUITMENT in other states.
SB 453 (PA 18-89): An Act streams, including using the
Concerning Classroom Safety and Connecticut Lottery to pay down the The legislature passed SB 455 to BILLS DEFEATED BY CEA
Disruptive Behavior ensures daily state’s unfunded liabilities, or promote minority teacher
classroom safety for teachers and reamortizing—that is, refinancing— recruitment and retention. CEA Education Savings Accounts
their students and provides supports the bonded debt that supports the staunchly opposed an earlier version CEA successfully defeated a bill that
for disruptive students. Thanks to retirement fund. The study must be of the bill that would have weakened would have required the state to do a
hundreds of letters, emails, phone completed by January 1, 2019. teacher certification and introduced study of Education Savings Accounts
calls, and oral testimony, the bill Retirement Fund Thousands of student test scores back into teacher (ESAs), which are state monies given
passed both the House and Senate CEA members flexed their political evaluations. Many teachers provided to households for their children to
and, as of press time, awaits the muscle among state legislators in expert testimony on how such a bill attend a private school and are not
governor’s signature. support of HB 5430, which would would undermine the teaching legal in Connecticut.
Daily classroom safety is defined have reversed the one-percent profession and public education in Virtual Learning Studies
as “…a classroom environment in increase in teachers’ retirement our state. CEA was instrumental in repeatedly show virtual classrooms to
which students and school employees contributions. The bill passed out of deleting many harmful parts of the be far less effective than traditional
are not physically injured by other committee with overwhelming (50-1) original bill while proposing many public schools. CEA successfully
students, school employees or support. The bill died in the House more promising strategies. defeated a bill requiring the State
parents, or exposed to such physical without a vote, however, when the While the final bill is a good first Department of Education to conduct
injury to others.” legislative session ended on May 9. step, it fails to provide resources for a feasibility study on the use and
If this plan is signed by the CEA will continue to fight hard on minority teacher recruitment or expansion of virtual learning and
governor, districts must have a plan rolling back the one-percent teacher retention. In the next legislative distance learning in Connecticut
in place for implementing and tax increase. session, CEA will continue to push classrooms.
enforcing daily classroom safety by for innovative ideas, many of which
September 1, 2019, while certain BUDGET
required actions become law July 1,
2018. ECS and Education Funding A CEA Issues Report Cards for Legislators
In summary, the new law: new formula phases in changes for Teachers have the power
• Allows teachers to remove violent allocating monies to towns from the to create change by
students from the classroom and Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant. electing lawmakers this
prevents them from returning to For FY19, $88 million was added to November who will make
the classroom until measures to ECS to carry out this phase-in, and public education a top
address their behavior have been most towns will have their ECS priority.
taken funding restored to levels similar to If you’ve ever talked to
• Ensures administrators implement FY17. In addition, a measure passed your elected officials and
a plan for responding to violent that prohibits cuts to next year’s told them you’re a teacher,
incidents and includes teachers in school funding—avoiding the you know that local
crafting appropriate responses to damaging rescissions to ECS funding lawmakers often mention
a student’s violent actions that the governor made during the family members who are
• Ensures that parents of students 2017-2018 school year. teachers too.
who witnessed an aggressive act Hurricane Maria Included in the “Both my parents were
(and who may have experienced state’s education funding was teachers.”
trauma) are notified of the $2.9 million for towns that have “My wife taught for thirty years.”
incident taken in students displaced by “Two of my kids teach.”
• Requires that the local board of Hurricane Maria. Most lawmakers believe they understand the challenges teachers face
education be informed of each TEAM Teacher Education And and say they support public education. But how well do their actions match
incident and annually report the Mentoring (TEAM), Connecticut’s their words?
number of violations to the State nationally recognized program that • Did they vote to roll back the one-percent teacher tax this year?
Department of Education supports new teachers, also received • Did they demand greater protection for teachers against aggressive
• Requires schools to address a boost when $1.5 million was student behavior?
violent classroom behavior and its restored to reinstate this critical • Did they uphold the standards for teacher certification that you worked so
impact on classroom learning mentoring effort. hard to achieve—or are they willing to fast-track certification for less-
• Prohibits discrimination and Stability of State K-12 qualified candidates?
retaliation against teachers for Education Budget Starting July 1, CEA is introducing a report card and honor roll system that evaluates
removing violent students from 2018, the state cannot cut ECS legislative candidates’ voting records on issues that matter to you. Just in
their classroom funding to individual towns below the time for the 2018 election this fall, you’ll see who’s a true ally in the fight for
level appropriated by the legislature, quality public education and whose campaign promises fell short.
TEACHER RETIREMENT regardless of the state’s budget All Constitutional offices and all 187 Connecticut General Assembly seats
situation. will be in play this Election Day, as will five Congressional House seats, one
Health Insurance There is good Municipal Budget Dates Congressional Senate seat, and the office of governor. It’s important to fill
news for retirees, as the state will Without needing legislative approval, those seats with representatives and officials who will look out for you and
contribute $35 million to the retiree towns can now wait until after the your students.
health insurance fund, keeping it legislature has approved funds for the Look for details at cea.org.
from becoming insolvent because of upcoming fiscal year before adopting
years of underfunding by the state. their own local budgets.
Separately, the state will conduct a
8 CEA ADVISOR MAY - JUNE 2018 REPRESENTING
ELECTION OF NEW LEADERS TAKES CENTER STAGE AT
170TH CEA REPRESENTATIVE ASSEMBLY
Jeff Leake, Tom Nicholas assume top spots
I
n contested races, more than 400
teacher delegates elected a new
president, Jeff Leake, and vice
president, Tom Nicholas, to lead the
Connecticut Education Association
for the next three years. The election
took place at the 170th CEA
Representative Assembly (CEA RA).
The president and vice president’s
three-year terms begin July 15.
In addition, in uncontested races,
delegates elected directors to
represent them on the NEA Board of
Directors. Vernon teacher David
Jedidian was elected NEA director,
and Tara Flaherty, a teacher at
Shepaug Valley School in
Left to right: Jeff Leake and Tom Nicholas were elected as CEA’s new president and vice president beginning July 15. On
Washington, was elected NEA September 1, David Jedidian and Tara Flaherty begin their terms as NEA director and NEA director alternate.
director alternate. Their three-year
terms begin September 1.
New CEA Leaders Leake education. We must not forget that “With all the attacks on public of Education to ensure adequate and
received 242 votes, to 184 votes teachers need the right to collectively education,” Nicholas said, “it is equitable funding for our public
received by challenger Robert negotiate for decent, equitable pay, crucial to continue working with schools.”
Smoler, a math teacher and president affordable healthcare, quality legislators and the State Department
of the Fairfield Education schools, and vibrant communities.”
Association. Newly elected CEA Vice
Leake, who has been CEA vice President Tom Nicholas received
president for the past six years as 296 votes, to 132 votes garnered by
well as president of the Connecticut challenger Mia Dimbo, a Bridgeport
Education Foundation, promised to teacher and member of CEA’s Board
continue working hard to champion of Directors, who ran from the floor.
public education and the teaching A Manchester school social
profession. worker, Nicholas currently serves as
An ardent supporter of collective CEA treasurer, a post he was elected
bargaining rights, which increasingly to in 2012. He also serves on
have been under fire around the numerous CEA boards and
country, Leake said, “Collective committees, and his positions have
bargaining lifts up everyone and included county director, past NEA
empowers teachers to fight for the director, and local Association Nearly 500 teachers attended the two-day CEA Representative Assembly.
rights of their students and public president.
NEW BUSINESS,
COHEN REFLECTS ON CAREER AS TEACHER, EDUCATION LEADER NEW BUDGET
Delegates overwhelmingly
Reflecting on nearly 50 years in legislative protections for educators testimony, and contacting their adopted a new CEA budget of
public education and more than two facing student assault, decoupling legislators—Cohen said, “All of you $20,948,420 for fiscal year 2018-
decades in official roles at CEA, state standardized test scores from stepped up, answered the 2019, with no increase in
outgoing President Sheila Cohen— teacher evaluations, collective challenges, and kept moving forward membership dues.
whose term ends July 15—urged bargaining, and adequate, equitable for the sake of your students, your They also voted in favor of a new
teachers to continue the fight to education funding for towns. profession, and our belief that business item that would reconstitute
protect students, public education, “We knew that education cost together we can change public a Poverty Task Force, appointed by
and the teaching profession. sharing was getting the short end of education for the better. My the incoming president, to propose
Addressing delegates as CEA the stick, and in partnership with achievements are our achievements, legislation and other appropriate
president for the sixth and final time, locals, parents, and students, CEA and they would not have been steps to reduce poverty and diminish
Cohen called this one of her most filed an injunction against a possible without you.” its impact on students.
poignant days as well as one of her gubernatorial executive order. Cohen implored her colleagues In addition, two amendments to
proudest. Miraculously,” she said with a wave to keep up the fight. the constitution were passed. One
“Even when faced with daunting of her hand, “more money “While we did not win every clarifies the CEA Board of Directors’
challenges, constantly changing appeared.” battle, we learned something from role in reviewing changes to the
mandates, frustrations that can bring Crediting the thousands of CEA each and every one—something that constitution and bylaws. The other—
you to tears, funding cuts to members who stood together on helped us move forward and made which also passed as an amendment
education, and political attacks on these and other issues—attending us stronger for the next battle— to the bylaws—allows amendments
our profession and our union,” she rallies, providing oral and written which always comes.” to come before the RA for approval
said, “teaching is still the only job for or denial, without requiring the
me, and the best job in the world. Board of Directors’ prior approval,
From the time I first became your as long as those amendments were
NEA director, in 1997, until today, I presented to the Board.
have never been afraid to take Two other amendments to the
calculated risks and to be an bylaws passed, while one was struck
outspoken advocate for our down. Passing unanimously were
collective bargaining rights, our inclusion of a county treasurer in
professional development, social county Presidents’ Forums and the
justice issues, and our political description of a treasurer’s duties.
organizing. I have been vigilant on Delegates rejected an amendment to
the issue of our pensions—the the bylaws that called for only voting
benefits we were promised and members to be county treasurers or
have worked so hard for—so that we secretaries. Objections to the
can retire with dignity.” proposed language primarily
Cohen spoke about issues that centered on the fact that retired
were front and center over the last members would become ineligible to
year, including teacher certification, fill those posts.
REPRESENTING MAY - JUNE 2018 CEA ADVISOR 9
SOLIDARITY, FORWARD THINKING KEY LOCAL ASSOCIATIONS INDIVIDUALS HONORED FOR
MESSAGES AT CEA RA OUTREACH, COMMUNICATIONS
Good communication is essential to keeping teachers informed about everything from
Remembering the 10
professional development opportunities to what’s happening in the community and at the
teachers and students who lost
Capitol. Each year, CEA’s Public Relations Commission recognizes local Associations that go
their lives in the then-latest
the extra mile in reaching out to their members through their websites and newsletters. Meet
school shooting, at Santa Fe
this year’s winners.
High School in Texas, CEA
Executive Director Donald WEBSITE AWARDS
Williams noted that 22 • First Place: West Hartford Education Association,
separate school shootings have Shannon McNeice
been reported so far this year • First Place – New Entry: Westport Education
in the U.S. Association, John Horrigan
“We cannot normalize this • Second Place: Suffield Education Association,
in our country,” he urged Mark Janick
nearly 500 teachers gathered
• Second Place – New Entry: Torrington Education
for the Connecticut Education
Association, William Siss
Association Representative
CEA Executive Director Donald • Third Place: East Hartford Education Association,
Assembly (CEA RA), the Williams
Association’s highest Jill McNulty
policymaking body. and the only option is to strike, • Third Place – New Entry: Waterbury Teachers
Pointing out Connecticut’s often without pay and at the Association, Raymond Santovasi John Horrigan accepts the first-
leadership on the issue of gun risk of being jailed. place website award for a new
NEWSLETTER AWARDS entry by the Westport Education
safety legislation in the wake of “There are those who want • First Place, Category 4 (301-450 members) Association.
the tragedy in Newtown, he to turn the teaching profession NHEA News – North Haven Education Association,
also noted the strong rights and in Connecticut into a similar Krista Kaplan, Editor
freedoms Connecticut teachers revolving door of low-paid
• First Place, Category 5 (locals with more than
enjoy. jobs,” he said, touching on
450 members)
“We may take for granted various harmful proposals that
WHEA World – West Hartford Education Association,
the ability to bargain for good were brought before the 2018
Joyce Bogdan, Editor
wages, benefits, working General Assembly. “Those
conditions, and the many proposals in Connecticut were • Second Place, Category 5
freedoms that teachers fought defeated, and CEA staff and WTA Newsletter – Waterbury Teachers Association,
for in cities such as Bridgeport members were successful at Raymond Santovasi, Editor
40 years ago,” he said. But he protecting teachers’ rights.” THOMAS P. MONDANI CEA FRIEND
urged CEA members to look at A shining example Also OF EDUCATION AWARD
what is happening in other addressing the crowd was Todd Ingersoll, 2018 winner
states, where teachers’ voices at Missouri NEA President The most prestigious of CEA’s awards, the Thomas
the table have been taken away Charles Smith, who shared the P. Mondani CEA Friend of Education Award recognizes Waterbury Teachers Association
story of his state, which has an individual or group outside of education for President Kevin Egan accepts the
become a right-to-work state outstanding efforts on behalf of teachers, students, or WTA Newsletter award on behalf
and is now, in his words, in of Raymond Santovasi.
public education. This year’s honor went to Todd
“the worst of times.” With an Ingersoll, CEO and president of Ingersoll Auto of
upcoming vote that could Danbury, nominated by Keli Solomon, a social studies teacher and member of the New Milford
overturn the decision to make Education Association.
Missouri a right-to-work state, Every month, Ingersoll donates the use of a courtesy car to one special teacher from the
Smith vowed that his New Milford Public Schools, as well as a teacher from Bethel. For years, he has donated
association will continue to generously to Connecticut’s public school students and teachers, giving away hundreds of
vigorously fight for students laptops to high schools in at least nine different towns and contributing funds for teachers to
and the teaching profession. purchase classroom supplies. Ingersoll was unable to attend the awards ceremony.
“CEA, you have been a
CEA SALUTES AWARD
watchtower for students and
Emily Hulevitch, Enfield Teachers’ Association, 2018 winner
public education,” he said,
This year’s CEA Salutes Award, which recognizes
urging members to “continue
outstanding contributions by individuals or
Missouri NEA President to make Connecticut a shining
organizations to public education, went to Enfield first-
Charles Smith example for this nation.”
grade teacher Emily Hulevitch, who was nominated by
fellow elementary school teacher Michele Wilcox.
“Emily’s desire to lend a hand wherever needed
BRIDGEPORT STRIKE REMEMBERED means she is frequently out in her community, giving to
Bridgeport Education Association (BEA) President and NEA the soup kitchen on behalf of her local Association and
Director Gary Peluchette, together with BEA Vice President Ana serving coffee and cake to Enfield senior citizens, snow
Batista and a proud Bridgeport delegation, stood at the CEA RA cones and cotton candy to its youngest citizens, and
to commemorate the anniversary of the teachers’ strike in that city warm beverages to veterans at various town events,”
40 years ago this month. To a standing ovation, they presented a said CEA President Sheila Cohen, presenting the award.
framed listing of the names of all 274 striking teachers who were Hulevitch has also helped organize a book drive and
jailed during that historic movement. It will be displayed at CEA’s Family Engagement Day in Enfield, as well as
CEA President Sheila Cohen purchased a library of rich early education literature and
Hartford office, and a copy hangs at BEA’s office as well. Surviving
presents Emily Hulevitch with the donated $200 toward the construction of a playground
strikers each received their own framed copy at a
CEA Salutes award. for young children.
commemorative dinner earlier in May. (See story, page 5.)
“Emily Hulevitch, CEA salutes you!” said Cohen.
Accepting newsletter and website awards are Mark Janick, Jill McNulty, Tom
Marak (on behalf of Krista Kaplan), Joyce Bogdan, Theresa McKeown (on behalf
of Shannon McNeice), and Michael McCotter and Carrie Cassady (on behalf of
William Siss).
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