Governor Lamont: Schools Could Be Closed Until Fall
In a radio interview Governor Lamont said that he thinks it is likely that school closures will extend through the end of the school year.
Posts from the ‘CEA Messages’ Category
Mar 24
CEA Guidance for At Home Learning
Take Care of Yourself So That You Can Be Your Best.
Every teacher must start with this idea. No one knows how long working at home for teachers and students will last but it could extend to the end of the school year, and we do know that the pressures and expectations of this new paradigm can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s more important than ever to stay healthy and rested:
- Take regular breaks.
- Make time to exercise.
- Keep to a regular sleep schedule.
- Limit distractions when possible (turn off social media notifications, for example).
- Set daily and weekly goals.
- Make time to socialize virtually with family and friends.
- Limit the time when you can be contacted to ensure you have time to recharge, be with family, and prepare for the next day.
- Access Employee Assistance Program or other mental healthcare options to help meet any unique challenges.
Links and articles:
Education Week—Here’s How to Prevent Burnout During a School Closure
Coronavirus and School Closures: FAQ for Teachers
We've compiled the answers to some of your most pressing questions and will have more to come as more information becomes available.
Mar 11
Coronavirus Update
Governor Lamont declared civil preparedness and public health emergencies in Connecticut yesterday afternoon, in order for the state to take specific actions in response to the coronavirus. The declarations allow the governor to take broader measures to protect public health.
There are currently school closures in six Connecticut towns. Wilcoxson Elementary School in Stratford, Nathan Hale School in New Haven, as well as Woodbury and Bethlehem public schools (Region 14) will close for the remainder of the week, and Westport and Wilton Public Schools will remain closed until further notice. Those schools will be closed for deep cleaning, and Region 14 noted that missed school days will be made up in June.
CEA has been working closely with the State Department of Education and other education stakeholders on protocols for other possible school closures in response to coronavirus. CEA agrees that it is better to be overprepared than underprepared and the Association is taking numerous steps to help prevent the spread of the virus and to keep students, teachers, and communities safe, including Read more
Mar 5
Share with Legislators Why We Need a Comprehensive Approach to Address Student Trauma
The Education Committee has an important hearing scheduled for Monday, and we need you to share your stories!
Monday’s public hearing will include testimony on legislation related to social and emotional learning in our schools in the form of HB 5378.
While the Education Committee’s proposal contains important pieces, it is not enough. What is truly necessary is a comprehensive approach to address student trauma and promote social emotional learning.
CLICK HERE to submit testimony on this important initiative. Read more
CEA Amplifies Call to Diversify the Teaching Profession with New Campaign
CEA is stepping up its efforts to diversify Connecticut’s teaching force by launching a statewide awareness campaign aimed at encouraging more young people of color to pursue careers in teaching. Right now, more than 40 percent of Connecticut’s schoolchildren are minorities, but only 8 percent of the state’s teachers are people of color.
The new campaign, Teaching Is Calling You, highlights teachers as role models for their students as well as mentors for young people who may never have considered the positive difference they could make as future educators.
“Teachers are the single most important in-school influence on student learning, and it stands to reason that our educators must reflect the culture and diversity of their students,” said CEA President Jeff Leake. “Having a racially and culturally diverse teaching force enhances all students’ academic achievement by providing them with multiple perspectives that allow them to gain a greater understanding of the world around them.” Read more
Dec 23
Happy Holidays From CEA
CEA President Jeff Leake, Vice President Tom Nicholas, Secretary Stephanie Wanzer, and Treasurer David Jedidan—and all of us at CEA—wish you happy holidays and a wonderful 2020.
Nov 18
Let’s Celebrate Teachers and Public Education This American Education Week
This week, American Education Week 2019, presents all Americans with the perfect opportunity to celebrate public education and honor educators and everyone else who ensures that every child receives a quality education. Watch the video message below from CEA President Jeff Leake and Vice President Tom Nicholas.
Oct 9
3 Things to Know from CEA Meeting With DCF Commissioner
1. DCF Is Dedicated to Improving Relationships with Teachers
Monday night marked the start of a promising new relationship between Connecticut educators and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) as DCF Commissioner Vannessa Dorantes and several of her key staff members joined CEA members at the Sheraton in Rocky Hill for a conversation about teachers’ concerns.
Manchester Education Association President Kate Dias asks a question of DCF Commissioner Vannessa Dorantes, Deputy Commissioner Michael Williams, Superintendent of U.S.D. 2 Martin Folan, and Assistant Legal Director Charlotte Shea at Monday’s CEA meeting.
“We’re here and listening, and we’re dedicated to improving our partnership,” Dorantes told teachers.
Dorantes, a social worker and 27-year DCF employee, was appointed commissioner of the department in January of this year by Governor Lamont.
CEA Legal Counsel Adrienne DeLucca told CEA members that she and CEA Legal Counsels Melanie Kolek and Rebecca Mitchell saw Dorantes’ appointment as a new day and new opportunity to open a dialogue with DCF to resolve ongoing issues educators have been experiencing. Read more
Aug 26
Wishing You a Great School Year!
Students and teachers are back to school this week in districts around Connecticut. A new year represents a myriad of new opportunities, but also new challenges—and CEA stands with you every step of the way.
Watch this 2019 back-to-school message from Cheshire teacher and CEA President Jeff Leake.
