Delegates adopted the CEA 2008-2009 strategic plan and budget that sets the dues for active and associate members for 2008-2009 in the amount of $458, an increase of $0.

The following elections occurred: Maureen Honan elected NEA Director for a term that runs August 1, 2008 through- July 31, 2011. Jai Wrighten-Kelly elected Ethnic Minority Director at large for a term that runs July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2011.

Speeches were delivered by the following: U.S. Senator Christopher Dodd; U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney, State Speaker of the House of Representatives James Amann, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Joan Hurley, CEA John McCormack National Foundation for the Improvement of Education Award Winner Anastasia Kimball, CEA President Phil Apruzzese, and CEA Executive Director John Yrchik.

For details on the contents of the speeches as well as specifics on other CEA RA actions, including Committee and Commission reports, please look for the June edition of the CEA Advisor.

As Teacher Appreciation Week draws to a close, all indications are that parents, students, and community leaders have paid abundant tribute to teachers in public schools in Connecticut and throughout the nation.

“This is an opportunity to say thank you to teachers for the hard work and dedication that goes into teaching,” said Phil Apruzzese, president of the Connecticut Education Association (CEA), which represents 41,000 active and retired public school teachers. CEA is the state affiliate of the National Education Association (NEA), a co-sponsor of Teacher Appreciation Week, along with the PTA.

"Together with the PTA, we're saying thanks to the nation's 3 million public school teachers in a big way," said NEA President Reg Weaver.

"Few other professionals touch as many peopleas teachers do," said Apruzzese, a classroom teacher for nearly 35 years. He is currently on leave from his position as a math teacher in Wethersfield.

The CEA president encouraged the public to learn about how teachers in their communities advocate for high standards for students, fair and meaningful evaluations of their work, and resources that go directly to the classroom. “Better than an apple or a thank you card, a community’s active support of the work we mutually do to teach and care for the community’s students would be ample reward for all of us.”