May 18, 2018  
Hello, 

I've only been on staff for two weeks but it has been entirely action packed! I've been to various meetings throughout our region and while the issues may differ slightly the root of our concerns do not: more and more school administrators are trying to run their schools as if they were a business. They are constantly pushing on teachers to get more as if children's learning were widgets on an assembly line. Living in Chicago the past ten years made me realize what an amazing resource Wisconsin public schools are. Public schools are the one true response to systematic racism and oppression in the idea that everyone
is entitled to a quality education. 

That's the Wisconsin I grew up in and that's the Wisconsin I will continue to fight for.



Kristin Lytie
Regional Director
Attention NWTC ESP

The recent recertification vote held by the NWTC Educational Support Specialists failed by 2 votes. However, the unit experienced voting difficulties in the first 24 hours of the voting period April 5-6. All of the SSN#'s were incorrectly entered into the AAA database, but were corrected on the second day of voting. However, some people who reported having difficulty subsequently did not log in to vote. The union challenged the outcome and a new voting period has been approved. The new election will begin at noon on Friday May 18 and end at noon on Thursday June 7.

You may vote any time between noon on Friday, May 18, 2018, and noon on Thursday, June 7, 2018. You cannot change your vote after it is cast. 

You can vote by telephone (toll free at 1-866-458-9862) or online ( www.aaaelections.org/WERC). The voting system is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, during the voting period. The following are the instructions for voting:
  1. Be prepared to provide the first four letters of your last name and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
  2. Follow the instructions provided to you by telephone or online.
  3. After you vote "yes" or "no," you will be asked to confirm your choice. You must confirm your choice for your vote to be counted.
If you experience any problem with the voting system or need special assistance when voting, please call 1-800-529-5218 for assistance (Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time).

If you have questions about the election process, go to "Answers to Frequently Asked Election Questions" on the Commission's website at http://werc.wi.gov.

What's Your Best Story?
Ryan Frost w/ NUEA Co-President
Debbie Dreher
Emily Jacobson w/ NUEA
Co-President Debbie Dreher

Congratulations!

Congratulations are in order for the son of Region 3 member Richard Frost.  Ryan is the recipient of the NUEA Scholarship.  Let's congratulate too, the daughter of Region 3 member Todd Jacobson, for receiving the Henry Krokosky scholarship.  These scholarships were presented by Debbie Dreher, Co-President of NUEA, on Wednesday, May 16, 2018, at the Neenah High School Awards ceremony.


In WEAC's latest "Spotlight on Local" column, WEAC VP  Peggy Wirtz-Olsen finds inspiration from the Freedom Education Association which - with the help of WEAC Region 3 - conducted a self-assessment, identified specific goals and set out to achieve them. The result? Membership increased from around 50 percent to close to 70 percent.  READ ON


Professional Development

Registration NOW Available!
Region 3 is re-vamping the popular "Leadership Boot Camp." 
Solidarity Seminar

Tuesday, June 12, 9 am - noon
OR
Thursday, June 14, 1-4 pm

What skills will be addressed? All the skills you need to strengthen your Local, engage your members, and rectify the balance of power at your workplace!

Click here for a flyer. Click here to register.



Managing Student Behavior Safely
A Workshop for ESP members!

Tuesday, June 12, 1-4 pm
OR
Thursday, June 14, 9 am - noon

Click here for a flyer. Click here to register.








You could spend an entire day with us if you sign up for both workshops!
And if you do, we'll provide lunch!

Tuesday, June 12 Thursday, June 14
9 am - noon
Solidarity Seminar
Managing Student Behavior Safely
1 - 4 pm
Managing Student Behavior Safely
Solidarity Seminar


Here at Region 3, we get lots of questions from teachers about the recent licensure changes. When and how can I report successful semesters of teaching? How much does a background check cost? How do I apply for the background check? The wheels seem to be turning slowly as the DPI has not yet finalized processes and procedures for these things.
For the latest info, check out the Licensing Blog.

On June 11, in partnership with the NEA, The WEA Academy is promoting a webinar geared toward new teachers. It's geared for new teachers, but early career educators may want to tune in too. Register here.

102 individuals have completed [FREE] Micro Credentials since February! Check it out here!
National Board Certification:  Get a Jump Start!
Mon., July 30 - Wed., August 1
UW-Eau Claire
Developed by a team of Nationally Board-Certified Teachers (NBCTs) from across
the country, NEA Jump Start is a comprehensive, three+ day seminar designed to  provide early support to National Board candidates. Jump Start lays the groundwork  for understanding the certification process by deeply examining component
and assessment center requirements. Time is dedicated to gathering resources and
information needed to become successful in certifying. All of this is provided in a
supportive, constructive, and collegial environment.

Jump Start Modules: Specific focus is placed on the following content: Foundations
(NBCT standards & process overview), Component 1 (content knowledge), Component
2 (differentiation in instruction), Component 3 (teaching practice & learning
environment), and Component 4 (the effective & reflective practitioner).  SEE FLYER
Register Now for the 2018 WEAC Summer Leadership Academy
The 2018 Summer Leadership Academy will return to UW-Eau Claire July 30-August 1. This year's Academy is a repeat of last year's conference but has taken on an entirely new look, as well as a new focus. We know that the strength of the State Association lies within the strength of each and every local. The Summer Leadership Academy is meant to empower the local leaders in their work with members, the community, administration, elected leaders and the students they serve on a day-to-day basis. Find out more about the Summer Leadership Academy and register now!
Summer's Coming!

WEAC has special member offers for Noah's Ark Waterpark and Educator Days at Miller Park!

Get ready for summer fun this year with special WEAC member discounts at Noah's Ark Waterpark in Wisconsin Dells and during Educator Days at Miller Park. Save 40% at Noah's Ark all summer long, and enjoy Educator Days discounts August 7-8-9 as the Milwaukee Brewers take on the San Diego Padres at Miller Park.  Click the image for more information.


ETF


ETF Face-to-Face Events - 2018 Schedule Updates

ETF has updated the face-to-face learning opportunities schedule to include dates through the summer of 2018. These include benefit fairs, benefit presentations and group retirement appointments scheduled in your area of the state.


Political Action
This is an 11.0101(10)(b)(1) communication with WEAC members



WEAC is recommending candidates who prioritize students and public schools in the June 12 special election.  READ ON.
We keep hearing about this "blue wave" reaching WI. Let's think of it as the blue-collar wave because workers have been losing rights for the last several years and we need some wins. Wisconsinites recently won a pro-labor seat in the SD 10 Special Election, but these waves don't just happen.
Labor has to be the strong winds that move the waves. We need to ensure that all union members in Senate District 1 turn out to vote on June 12th. This means we need you to spread the word and help knock on doors in the district. It's when union members talk to other union members that we push labor to the polls. We need to be the strong winds that move this projected blue wave. Please spread the word to your locals, friends, and family that we're knocking on union doors and making calls. Send word to help CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN HELP.

Schedule It!
 
Click HERE to see our Region 3 Calendar. It includes WEAC and Region 3 governance meetings, Professional Development events, and many other workshops, meetings, and events sponsored by our office.
  • WEA Member Benefits Financial Planner, Thursday, June 21 (and the third Thursday of every month) @ WEAC Region 3. To make an appointment contact: Brenda Echeverria 800-279-4030, ext. 3300.
WEAC Region 3
800-472-5582
[email protected]
www.region3.weac.org