Summer Organizing has kicked off and more locals in Region 3 have stepped up to participate than ever before! We have teams in Appleton, Marinette, Manitowoc, Sheboygan and Pulaski all working to build their union! The organizers are talking to new hires, potential members who have been in the district for years and existing members to see what their passions and talents are. An important aspect of summer organizing is keeping track of all the data; who is talking to who, when, and what they said. We've created shared spreadsheets for each union to keep this information for the summer, but also for the organizational history of the union. How does your union keep track of the data of who is a member, who is a hot lead and the issues people care about? Your director would be happy to help your local create a plan for this! 

On Tuesday August 10th we're having the first Region 3 Roundtable event where you can hear best practices and tips from locals who have been successful at their new hire events. We invite you to share what has worked well in your local! You can register here.

Kristin Lytie

August 9, Monday, Zone C Meeting, 1:00PM

August 10, Tuesday, Region 3 Roundtable, 3:00PM

August 11, Wednesday, Executive Committee Meeting, 4:30PM

August 17, Tuesday, Zone E Meeting, 5:30PM

August 19, Thursday, Zone A Meeting, 3PM

The first Region 3 Roundtable is quickly approaching! The Roundtable will be a space to brainstorm, share best practices, and plan with locals of similar size.

August's topic is Planning Your New Hire Event and Back to School Membership Drive.

In the future they will be held every other month and focus on issues you want to learn more about! Have an idea for a topic? Email your director!

Register for August 10th's Roundtable discussion HERE.

Best Practices in Classroom Management. One of our newest offerings, this virtual course contains five core modules: 1) setting expectations, 2) strategies and tools for management, 3) culturally responsive practices, 4) connecting and building relationships, and 5) strategies and tools for specific circumstances (e.g., trauma response, de-escalation, or increasing active engagement). The course will meet on the last Wednesday of each month September thru February, and registration can be found at this link.

CreatED. Coming up soon in Milwaukee (August 14), Appleton (August 21) and Kenosha (August 28), this one-day hands-on workshop integrates literacy skills and visual arts. Geared for pre-K thru 8^th grade classroom teachers, special education teachers, reading specialists and art teachers, each participant will receive over $50 in complimentary art supplies to start off the school year. See the graphic above. Registration is at this link.

Democracy in Chains, A Virtual Book Study. Democracy in Chains is a thorough examination of 20^th century efforts to undermine democratic systems. This book study will be led by the author herself, educator and historian Nancy MacLean. For more details and the registration link click here.

Modern Strategies for Family Engagement. Family engagement is proven to increase student learning and decrease discipline issues. In a true blended model, educators will connect virtually four times and in person two times with options in Green Bay, Eau Claire, Madison, Milwaukee and LaCrosse. For more details click here. A light lunch and door prizes are included during the in-person sessions.

Wednesday Webinars. Back by popular demand. On the first Wednesday of each month a topic relevant to teaching and learning will be covered from 6-7 p.m. A few of the upcoming topics include Building and Maintaining a Humanized Classroom, Using Podcasts for Instructional Purposes, Multi-Sensory Learning Using Arts Integration, and Rethinking Grading. Click here for a full list of webinars and the registration link.

Professional Development Institute. The annual WEAC Professional Development Institute will be held at the Oshkosh Convention Center November 5-7. Our keynote speaker is author and educator Matthew Kay. Inspired by Frederick Douglass's abolitionist call to action Mr. Kay has written, Not Light, but Fire. Look for registration to open in mid-August.

Restorative Practices. Restorative Practices is centered on creating a sustainable community of engaged learners through the implementation of classroom circles. This 6-week course held Wednesdays,October 13 through November 17 from 5:30-7 p.m. is interactive and reflective as evidenced in powerful group chats, didactic discussion, and reflective personal writing. Here’s the registration link.

The Balanced Life. Educators take care of a lot of people. This course takes care of educators. It includes resources, lessons, and monthly challenges to help our members keep an emotional, social, and physical balance in their lives. The registration link can be found here.

Thank you for taking the time to review these offerings, but this is not all. Take a little time and peruse two spots on the WEAC website. First, the Teaching and Learning tab highlights other items such as supports for National Board candidates and Micro-Credentials. Second, the WEA Academy tab shows the entire course catalog. Other popular courses not noted above include FoRT Preparation, Spanish for Educators and Degrees Not Debt!

Registration for the 7th Annual Wisconsin Public Education Network Summer Summit, hosted by Sun Prairie Area School District and sponsored by WEAC Region 6, is now live! Visit our website at WisconsinNetwork.org/Summit to register for the August 2 Summer Summit and the post-summit dinner catered by Salvatore's at the Loft at 132 in Sun Prairie.

Savers Club: Save on Walt Disney World®

You can feel it as you near the Parks. That excitement, realizing that you’re finally getting to experience the joy and laughter you’ve been dreaming about. Because the gates are open, and to all who have been longing for The Most Magical Place on Earth, we’re thrilled to say: Magic is here. Get your Walt Disney World® tickets at WEAC Savers Club and save up to $60!

Need an insurance review or quote? Want to start saving for retirement and wondering where to start? Get answers to your insurance and retirement questions. SCHEDULE NOW

Empower Retirement is the third-party administrator of the Wisconsin Deferred Compensation Program. The WDC is an optional, supplemental retirement savings plan (457) for all working state and university employees. Local government and school district employees may also use the WDC if their employers offer it.

These webinars are a part of the Wisconsin Strong: Your Financial Security™ program, offered by the Department of Employee Trust Funds, to empower members and their families to build financial security and achieve financial wellness at any age. You’ll find free financial wellness education, resources, and tools at etf.wi.gov/wi-strong. Follow along at #WIStrongSecurity.