January 8, 2021
MEMBERSHIP EDITION, Vol. 5, #5

Hello friends,

Good news-we still have a democracy! What a way to start the new year.
It feels wild to just go back to normal after something like that has happened but here we are. I hope you all had a wonderful break and took some time for yourselves to rest and relax.

Here's what's on the horizon:

  • Winter Recharge - a Day of Professional Development by Members for Members
  • State Budget Planning
  • State Superintendent Election

We've got a lot on our plate! As we get closer to a vaccine, a new secretary of education, and a new president, I feel a sense of optimism within me. If we made it through 2020, I feel like we can do anything!

In Solidarity,

Kristin Lytie
Regional Director
WEAC Region 3
Upcoming Events:
 
Tuesday, January 12, Zone D Meeting, 7PM

Wednesday, January 13, WR3 Virtual Gathering, 4:30PM

Wednesday, January 13, WR3 Executive Committee Meeting, 6PM

Thursday, January 14, National Board Support Session, 5PM

Tuesday, January 19, WR3 ESP & Special Ed Call, 4:30PM
 
Saturday, January 30, Winter Recharge, 8:45-12PM
The 10-Minute Meeting
You have an opportunity to keep members in the loop AND respect their time by holding 10-minute meetings! It's also a great time to get feedback from people in the building.

Get out there and BE VISIBLE!

How can we have 10-minute meetings during the pandemic? Now is probably the BEST time to reach out to your members! Facebook live, Google hangouts, Zoom...
For more details about how the 10-minute meeting works, click  here.
For previous 10-minute meeting topics:


The January 10-Minute Meeting topic:

Community and Self Care
There's a lot of pressure on each of you to not let your concerns affect your teaching, to not let the turmoil of a global pandemic and a terrorist attack weigh you down. Educators have always been expected to "just make it work" and I can't even begin to imagine what that feels like in current times. It's an important time to check in with each other regarding these demands. Winter Recharge, on Saturday, January 30th via zoom, offers workshops on yoga, mindfulness and other self-care topics. You can open the conversation of your ten-minute meeting by talking about the day of professional development and see how people are feeling. I always say the best part of the union is that it's a space to speak openly and honestly about things you're worried about. We are going through a lot right now but it's easier if we do it together.

Sign up for Winter Recharge HERE!
WELCOME
NEW MEMBERS in DECEMBER:
6!!
We're stronger
every day!
 
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.
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 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. 
You are Invited!
WR3's ALL-MEMBER
Virtual Gathering
 
Wednesday, January 13
4:30 - 5:30 pm
 
Please note that you need to PRE-Register for the meeting.Then an email will be sent to you with the login link.
 
We look forward to SEEING you!
The conversations at our ESP Check Ins and our SpecEd Networking meetings have overlapped so much we decided to combine them in an effort to capture the most momentum and bring more people together for one monthly meeting instead of two. Moving forward, we will be having these meetings as a space for our ESP and Special Ed members to share updates, network, and brainstorm solutions! Please join us on JANUARY 19 @ 4:30PM. REGISTER HERE 
WEAC Join NOW
ONLINE
Member Sign Up

Easy, fast online feature supports your membership efforts
 
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.