January 22, 2021
Hello friends,

I hope this week's inauguration of Joe Biden and what that means for public education has lifted your spirits. Vaccine rollouts are happening around the country and in Wisconsin. Many educators were included in the 1A grouping and all will be in 1B. I don't want to jinx anything, but it feels like we're making progress. I understand there are a lot of challenges before us, but I feel that sense of hope that the promise of spring always brings. Am I getting a head of myself talking about spring in January? Absolutely, but it's coming, and I need this.

When we were trying to name Winter Recharge, three years ago, we racked our brains trying to think of what would capture the spirit of what we were trying to create. We settled on Winter Recharge because we all agreed this time of year is hard. It's cold, it's dark, for the most part we all just want to watch Netflix under a pile of blankets. We recognized that we needed this time more than ever to come together and feed from each other's positivity and creativity. We can still create that space of learning engagement and comradery virtually!

Please consider joining us on Saturday, January 30th from 8:45am-12:10pm for a morning of professional development led by union members for union members! This year we are thrilled to offer 9 different workshops at our Winter Recharge Event. From Digital Engagement and New Presidents 101 to Yoga for Educators, this event has something to offer everyone!


You can also find the Winter Recharge 2021 event on Facebook by clicking here.

I'm looking forward to seeing you then!


In Solidarity,
Kristin Lytie
Regional Director
WEAC Region 3
Upcoming Events:
 
Tuesday, January 26, Zone B Meeting, 5:30PM
 
Saturday, January 30, Winter Recharge, 8:45AM-12:10

Thursday, February 4, Organizing Committee Meeting, 4PM

Thursday, February 4, Budget Committee Meeting, 5:30PM

Saturday, February 6, Trauma Informed Care, 9AM-Noon

Wednesday, February 10, WR3 Virtual Gathering, 4:30PM

Thursday, February 18, NBCT, 5PM

Wednesday, February 24, Executive Committee Meeting, 6PM

Wednesday, April 7, WEAC Pre-RA, 5PM

Friday-Saturday, April 23-24, WEAC RA

  • Jan 27 - Register by mail
  • Jan 27 - Register to vote online
  • Feb 2 thru 14 - In-person early voting*
  • Feb 11 - Request regular absentee ballot
  • Feb 12 - Register at municipal clerk's office
  • Feb 16 - Register at polling place
  • Feb 16 - Return absentee ballot

  • Mar 17 - Register by mail
  • Mar 17 - Register to vote online
  • Mar 23 thru Apr 4 - In-person early voting *
  • Apr 1 - Request regular absentee ballot
  • Apr 2 - Register at municipal clerk's office
  • Apr 6 - Register at polling place
  • Apr 6 - Return absentee ballot

*Check with your municipal clerk for specific days and times.
Spring Elections Are
Right Around the Corner!
Let's build on the momentum of this week's Presidential Inauguration to help elect the candidates for local school boards, and State Superintendent, who will fight for healthy, safe, and well-funded public schools and the educators that make those schools great!

Go to MyVote.WI.gov to:


Background Check Applications are Open
 
The DPI background check application is now open for teachers whose license would have expired in 2021. Members can check to see if they are due for a background check by logging into their Educator Licensing Online (ELO) account. Background check applications are due no later than June 30, 2021. It is advised that members submit their application sooner rather than later. Remember this is your responsibility! 
Trauma Informed Care

We have been hearing a lot of "catch phrases" over the past 8 pandemic-filled months. "Unprecedented times" and "We're in this together" are just a few. It is time to recognize the trauma we as educators are experiencing and how every day is a new challenge. The Green Bay Education Association (GBEA) Organizing Committee has been working diligently to organize an educational opportunity for all members. Please join GBEA members for a special professional development event featuring Ms. Jen Alexander on Saturday, February 6, 2021, from 9am-noon. Ms. Jen is a nationally known speaker on Trauma Informed Care. Her morning will focus on the trauma that educators are feeling as a part of working in this pandemic and ways to cope. Materials are being purchased through a generous grant from the National Education Association. Registration closes January 23rd, 2021!

Please use this link to sign up for this amazing Professional Development event. If you have any questions, please contact GBEA member Rachael Poppe. 
WEAC Join Now ONLINE
Member Sign Up
WEAC online member sign-up, Join Now, is now available to provide a convenient and fast way for educators to become members of our union.


In a series of simple screens, educators can enter their information to become a member. This feature is especially useful during one-on-one membership conversations. While the process is entirely online, it is recommended that organizers and leaders stay with educators through the sign-up process to answer any questions that might arise.
For an overview of the Join Now experience, click here.
WEAC
NEA
You are Invited!
WR3's ALL-MEMBER
Virtual Gathering

Wednesday, February 10
4:30 - 5:30 pm

Please note that you need to PRE-Register for the meeting by clicking on the link above. Then an email will be sent to you with the login link.

We look forward to SEEING you!
On Wednesday, January 27, be sure to register for, Social Emotional Learning in a Virtual Space - tried and true strategies and activities teachers and educational support professionals can use to create meaningful relationships with and between students in a safe virtual learning environment.
 
The registration link can be found HERE.

Along with their Weekly Wednesday Webinars, WEAC has a full slate of professional learning opportunities for members this winter. They've included upcoming courses and more on a handy flier you can save or print out.

Region 3/GBEA National Board Support Sessions
WEAC, Region 3 and GBEA have organized ongoing monthly National Board Support for the 2020-2021 cycle. Sessions will be held virtually until further notice and facilitated by Sarah Johnston (Marinette).
Find the schedule with registration links HERE. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing a link to join the meeting. Please save this email. 
WEAC Scholarship Applications Due February 1

WEAC offers scholarships for future teachers, along with a variety of awards for members. The deadline for submitting nominations is February 1, 2021.
And for Our Valued ESP Members
WEAC has an opportunity for our ESP members to get financial help to enhance your skills or further your career in the education field.
WEAC is offering two ESP scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each to ESP members. Application deadline is February 1.


Additional information and the application to apply, along with other ESP resources, are at weac.org/esp. 
The Wisconsin Labor History Society announces its Essay Contest for the 2020-2021 School Year for Wisconsin high school students (Grades 9-12). Win cash prizes up to $500. Write essays of about 750 words on the topic:

"Unions have been important to my family and my community because. . ."


Deadline for submitting essays is February 15.
Are You Getting WEAC Advocacy Alerts?
Sign up now for WEAC Education Advocacy Alerts so you get all the latest news regarding the Superintendent race, and a round up of other election and legislative news.

Live Webinars Scheduled for January and February

ETF is offering a series of 30-minute, live, interactive webinars designed to increase your understanding of Wisconsin Retirement System benefits. Individuals can also ask questions at the end of these sessions. Visit their webinar page to learn more. Here is what others have said about their webinars:

  • "My participation in the webinar was a first for me, and I just want to compliment you on how easy it was to connect, follow along, and provide questions or requests. Excellent job!"

  • "Thanks for having these valuable webinars. The professional but conversational style helped me to understand the presentation as easily as an "in office" meeting. Really appreciate that the presenter fully understands the subject. Wonderful job."