CT Senators, Representatives Hear from Retired Teacher

CEA-Retired President Jon-Paul Roden helps make sure Connecticut teachers’ voices are heard in Washington, D.C.

Retired teachers continue to be heavily invested in education and the needs of students even after they leave the classroom. Many retirees continue to volunteer at schools, work as substitute teachers, and mentor children.

As a member of the NEA-Retired Executive Council, CEA-Retired President Jon-Paul Roden makes a difference for students through his visits to Washington, DC.

On one recent visit, Roden met with Connecticut senators and representatives and their staff, and told them what sequestration cuts would mean for Connecticut students. NEA’s Education Votes website featured Roden’s visit.

“No one knows better than our most experienced educators what happens when class sizes increase, special education services are cut and Social Security and Medicare are threatened,” said NEA Director of Government Relations Mary Kusler.  “Retired educators’ dedication to public education and preserving retirement security for future generations is inspiring—they write letters, make phone calls, go to the state house and even visit their members of Congress in Washington if they have the opportunity.”

Roden will be back in May to meet with as many members of Connecticut’s congressional delegation as he can — though he certainly hopes the across-the-board sequestration cuts will be restored before then.

Back in Connecticut, Roden is encouraging CEA-Retired members to learn more about how to become politically involved at workshops around the state this month. If you’re a retired member who hasn’t signed up yet, click here to learn more and register.