ADVOCATING FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

Among the issues that CEA members raised during an Appropriations Committee hearing were the need to maintain state magnet school funding, provide stipends for aspiring educators, ensure all teachers have a voice in Teachers’ Retirement Board elections, and enhance the disability benefit through the Teachers’ Retirement Board.

Educators who recently completed their student teaching are now entitled to student loan reimbursement up to $5,000 a year for 50 or more hours of uncompensated work necessary to earn their degree.

Connecticut leaders are stepping up to counter new federal caps on graduate student loans that could limit access to advanced degrees for future public service professionals.

Do you teach social studies to sixth, seventh, or eighth graders? Encourage them to apply to the National Civics Bee by submitting an up to 750-word essay addressing community issue, proposing a solution, and incorporating founding principles and civic virtues.

A number of significant changes were recently made to student loan borrowing and repayment that will affect many teachers. Join CEA member benefits partner Cambridge Credit Counseling for a webinar to learn how your existing repayment plan and any new loans will be impacted.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has secured an agreement to prevent the Trump Administration from withholding nearly $400 million in federal education funds from the state and local districts that are committed to promoting equal access to education in K-12 classrooms.

As public schools across Connecticut face mounting pressure from proposed federal funding cuts, educator shortages, and escalating attacks on immigrant, LGBTQ+, and other vulnerable students, CEA has put together a toolkit that offers ways for educators to take action.

Connecticut educators and parents are joining forces to advance statewide phone-free schools legislation designed to protect student mental health, restore classroom focus, and foster genuine social connection during the school day.

School counselors play an essential role in schools, helping students manage emotions and behaviors, learn interpersonal skills and academic achievement strategies, and collaborating with families and teachers to ensure student success.

To help students understand the reality of Black people’s experiences in American history, their impact on American culture, and to celebrate their achievements, NEA has compiled a selection of lesson plans that cover a variety of subjects.

Rocky Hill and Stamford are just two of the CEA local associations to see their efforts pay off after working together to ensure education-friendly candidates were elected to office in November.

Enter the NEA Member Benefits Annual Sweepstakes and you could be one of three lucky winners to receive a 5-night all-inclusive resort certificate.