August 5, 2022
MEMBERSHIP EDITION, Vol. 6, #12
Hello friends,

Wow! I can't believe it's already August. While I'm sad to see the summer fly by so quickly, I am excited for back-to-school! It's a time to get to know the new hires in your district and welcome them to your union! Plus who doesn't love a school supply sale?

I'm also excited by all the recent polling that says Unions are in! From Teachers' unions to Starbucks to Amazon-people all over the country are realizing they have power when they act collectively. Three new educators have already joined their union in Sheboygan!

With that in mind, I hope you'll join us next Tuesday morning at 9am for Union Greetings: A workshop on Welcoming New Hires to Your Union. We'll have leaders from Pulaski and Seymour sharing best practices and how they've really made the most of this important time of year to make their unions stronger. RSVP below!

In Solidarity,

Kristin Lytie
Regional Director
WEAC Region 3
Upcoming Events:

 
August 8, Monday, Zone C Meeting at The Bar on Lynndale & Northland, Appleton, 4PM 
 
The Ten 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? Facebook live, Google hangouts, Zoom, after-school ...
The August 10-Minute Meeting topic:

Connecting with New Hires

We tend to think we don't want to overwhelm the new hires as they begin their careers but that couldn't be further from the truth. New hires need to know that the union supports them with things like:

  • Early Career Educator Learning Labs
  • Liability Insurance
  • Mentorship
  • A place to speak openly and honestly about their profession

Make a plan with your fellow union members about who will talk to each new educator in your building to let them know your local union is there for them!
WELCOME
NEW MEMBERS IN JULY

9!

We are stronger
every day!
Join Early at No Extra Cost
WEAC EARLY ENROLLMENT
 
When you become a member of your local association, WEAC and NEA,
by completing an early enrollment membership form, you pay nothing
until September 1 and immediately receive:
 
  • $1 million in coverage under the Educator Employment Liability (EEL) insurance to protect you if a student or parent sues you during the course of employment
  • Discounts and savings through NEA Member Benefits (www.neamb.com)
  • Savings through WEA Member Benefits (www.weabenefits.com)
 
At the start of the school year, you will enjoy the full benefits of membership
including:
 
  • Representation through your local and region in employment disputes
  • Eligibility for assistance through the WEAC Legal Services Program in matters related to your employment
  • Access to the Attorney Referral Program designed to make sure that every NEA member in participating state affiliates has access to affordable legal advice
 
In partnership with the WEA Academy, WEAC’s Teaching and Learning program continues to develop new and innovative professional resources, workshops, and courses for members across the career continuum. Their programs are grounded in research and designed to be interactive and relevant for the moment. 

Visit The WEA Academy’s full course catalog at this link: Shop - Wisconsin Education Association Council (weac.org) and a hub of teaching and learning resources at this link: Teaching & Learning Resources - Wisconsin Education Association Council (weac.org).
 
Finally, PDI is happening in Stevens Point this year – October 14-16th. This is several weeks prior to the fall election to avoid final GOTV weekends. Watch for registration to open soon.
WEA Academy -
Classroom Management Course

This research grounded course has been strategically designed by a diverse group of public-school educators to provide teachers and educational support professionals across the career continuum new ideas and considerations for classroom management. Whether you’re an aspiring educator, an early career educator or a seasoned veteran, you will find the content engaging and immediately applicable to your practice.
 
Modules include: setting expectations, strategies and tools for management, culturally responsive practices, connecting and building relationships, and strategies and tools for specific circumstances (e.g. trauma response, de-escalation, or increasing active engagement).

This course begins Wednesday, September 14, 2022, and will meet virtually the 2nd Wednesday of the month from 6-7 p.m. More information can be found HERE.
THERE'S STILL TIME TO REGISTER
Public Service Loan Forgiveness -
October 31st Deadline

Last year, educators fought hard for - and won - a significant PSLF student debt waiver from the federal government. But borrowers only have until 10/31 to apply. The waivers are saving our members hundreds of thousands of dollars. But they must apply! Here is a short new video that explains the opportunity.
1st-5th year educators or educators new to their position should consider participating in this fantastic professional learning opportunity through the Early Career Learning Labs!

Engage and Network with other Early Career Educators and coaches from around the area. Learn and Apply new techniques while collecting different resources.
FREE for ALL

First session: Week of October 3rd
When: 4-5:30pm
Where: In Person/Virtual/Hybrid options

Great conversation will be provided.
You are invited - Annual 
Labor Day Family Picnic!
  
Monday, September 5
Bay Beach, Shelter 2
11 - 4:30

Little Kids' Games
Big Kids' Games
Special Speakers

Tickets are available by calling (920) 770-7799. See flyer for ticket prices.
 
Presented by The Greater Green Bay Labor Council
If you have recently moved, gotten a new phone number or email address, changed schools or banking information, please contact Region 3 staff assistant Debbie Armitage or Sue Clauss. They will be able to make any changes to your records. This information helps us ensure that we are able to stay connected with you.
 
They can both be reached by phone at 920-496-2440. 
 
Debbie can be reached through email at ArmitageD@WEAC.org. 
 
Sue can be reached at ClaussS@weac.org.
This is an 11.0101(10)(b)(1) communication with WEAC members