“Teachers have so many challenges, but they are still the best profession in the world,” CEA President Kate Diaz told CEA aspiring educators gathered at last weekend's year-end Apple Banquet. . “The most important thing we can do is make sure each of you feels like you made the best choice in the world by investing in your education and deciding to become a teacher.”
State Vice-Chairman Owen Eccles praises the many achievements of ambitious educators, and the position continues to grow, with two new branches added this year and membership doubling to 327 members. I shared that there is.
“I encourage chapter leaders to welcome new members, especially new members,” he said.
See more photos of Apple Banquet.
Throughout the year, AE gave back to the community through beautification events where teams of members cleaned and decorated two schools. They planned and hosted the annual Read Across America event at Mystic Aquarium and held their first meeting with members of Congress.
“We should celebrate because not only has our state chapter accomplished great things, but each university chapter here has also accomplished great things of their own, including PD, community service, and community outreach. There are a lot of things,” Eccles said.
“I stand before you with pride and excitement. “I could not be more proud of the work that our team of motivated educators has continued to do this year,” said Elizabeth Sked, CEA Educational Affairs Specialist. he said. “We didn't know how we were going to come out on top last year, but the key is teamwork. No one person, no chapter, no leader, is responsible for the success and growth of our program. All of our AE members and supporters are part of a dynamic team that is making this positive change happen.”
She continued, “You hold in your hands the power to ignite a passion for learning, instill confidence in the hearts of your students, and enable them to reach their full potential. I want everyone to remember the values of passion, confidence, and empowerment within themselves.Being a teacher is a job of the heart, because it empowers you to be a leader both inside and outside of the classroom. We hope you find this helpful. Whether you choose to teach in your own classroom or continue your studies, remember that the union has your back.”
“CEA is always at home,” Diaz said. “This is always a place where you should feel a deep connection. Because I think one of the things we need to remember is that this work can never be done alone. , preferably always a member of the union.”
Unions provide essential support to new educators learning the ropes of the teaching profession.
CEA Executive Director Todd Jakes speaks of a young educator he worked with early in his career who, in his first year of teaching, faced unexpectedly low evaluations and felt alone, when he realized the power of his union. He shared a story about how he became aware of protection and advocacy.
“It’s our union that provides that support,” Jake said. “Your voice gives our union the power to build a better future for our students. Tonight, consider how you can get involved in your union as you advance through your career. Is it?”
Sabrina Schaller, NEA's Aspiring Educators Chair, recently graduated from Millersville University in Pennsylvania, and is a member of the Aspiring Educators Committee, which connects students in Connecticut with her classes, work, student teaching, and work. I know first-hand what it's like to balance your role as a program leader.
“I spent hours planning community service projects, hours talking and organizing with members, hours preparing for discussions with legislators,” Schaller said. “We know you all lead crazy, busy lives, but we also know you have incredible passion, dedication, and love for our profession. Love is what makes you so powerful as aspiring educators. We all have a vision to create the safe spaces, classrooms, and school communities that students and educators need and deserve. have.”
Representing the domestic arena was Dr. break West, Senior policy Analyst in NEA has decades of experience supporting new and ambitious talent. educator. On behalf of his NEA President, Becky Pringle, who is a strong supporter of the NEA Aspiring Educator Program, he thanked his AE for all its work this year.
Connecticut Teacher of the Year Kiana Foster-Mauro is an early childhood educator who clearly remembers the day she started teaching. She offered encouragement to aspiring educators who are considering owning their own classrooms in her near future.
People who visit Foster-Mauro's classroom usually first notice the books and plants in her room, then the posters and images with different faces and words on the walls, and the dozens of other posters in her classroom. She said she looks at the family photos posted.
“What usually takes a visitor a while to notice is that among the few other signs on my whiteboard, Foster Mauro proudly notes the number of mistakes she has made this year with an image of my bitmoji. It's a sign that says “Yay!” and shrugs his shoulders. Right next to the bitmoji is a large circle that currently has the number 52 written on it in excited numbers drawn by a child. From the moment he introduced this sign to his students during his first month of school, it quickly became a huge hit. My days are filled with “teacher”. Foster Mauro, you made a mistake! ”
“Every mistake has helped me grow as a teacher,” Foster-Mauro wrote under the Bitmoji image.
Foster-Mauro goes on to say, “Know that perfection is unattainable and undesirable. Our imperfections and mistakes make us stronger. That's what makes us the most meaningful.” It's a way to learn lessons. This sign, proudly displayed on my whiteboard, is a constant reminder to my students and myself that mistakes are something to celebrate. Please. It's okay if you don't have all the answers.”
