May 21, 2021
Hello friends,

As we wrap up this year and begin planning the next, there's a lot of discrepancy between our districts. Some districts have rewarded educators for the tremendous workload that teaching through Covid has created with bonuses and some districts have made a commitment to not make educators teach simultaneously next year.

Simultaneous teaching has been a recipe for burn out and I think one of the reasons we're seeing so many retirements this year. Many students now are able to fluctuate between models without any notice and educators are just expected to make it work. Just last night I was talking with educators about how this adds to their workload and how it's affecting their personal lives and mental health.

What is your district doing?

Is your district doing something innovative that you think educators in other districts would benefit from?

Please take a moment to fill out this survey to let others in Region 3 know these best practices.

In Solidarity,
Kristin Lytie, Regional Director
WEAC Region 3
UPCOMING EVENTS
All Meetings Virtual

June 9, Wednesday, Executive Committee Meeting, 6PM

June 10, Zone B Meeting, 4:30PM

June 22, Tuesday, Zone A Meeting, 3:30PM
CDC's Mask Guidance & Schools

While the CDC has recently revised its guidance to allow fully vaccinated individuals to resume most activities without masks, it has not changed its guidance requiring masks in schools. Updated guidance for the 2021-22 school year will be provided by the CDC in the coming weeks.

The CDC recommends schools continue to use the current COVID-19 prevention strategies for at least the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic school year.

In recommending that schools continue to utilize mask-wearing, social distancing and other preventative measures to stop the spread, the CDC emphasized:
 
Students will not be fully vaccinated by the end of the 2020-2021 school year. Youth under the age of 12 are not yet eligible for vaccination. 
 
Time is needed for schools to make adjustments while continuing to ensure the safety of unvaccinated populations.
10 of these members will win a $50 gift card just for asking coworkers to join the union!

Just One is a membership drive that utilizes early enrollment while rewarding current members
for their organizing efforts! 

As we’ve all come to learn, sometimes it’s Just One person that can light the spark and move people in a new way. Region 3 is inviting locals to have a friendly competition and get “Just One” new member between April 1 and May 31, 2021. New members who join in April and May via Early Enrollment will pay nothing until September 2021 (receiving up to 5 months free). The members who recruit people will have a chance to win a $50 gift card.

PROGRAM ENDS MAY 31ST
THERE'S STILL TIME TO JOIN!

Want to be part of the update emails and strengthen your union with the Just One Campaign? Fill out this FORM. 
New contracts were issued by May 15th. While we know you are excited to turn it in, please be sure to read and review it to see if there are any changes. Some districts are adding language stating that they now have the power to lay off and non-renew outside of the timelines defined by state statute.

School budgets are secured and planned the year before so to say a district suddenly does not have the funds to keep staff on for the full school year feels disingenuous. Rather, this feels like an attempt to retract their commitment to you as an employee. Especially since so many of our districts have Fund 10's in the millions of dollars.

Even though this concerning language exists in a few contracts, we have not seen districts act on this language yet. However, it's a lot easier to remove something from your contract before it's formally put in. Once the language exists in your contract for a few years, it is a lot more difficult to remove.

If you see negative changes in your contract:
  • Contact your union leadership and Region 3 Director
  • Hold off on signing them
  • Have a union meeting
Are you retiring this year? Do you know someone who is retiring this year?
 
The WEAC membership year is September 1st through August 31st, and even though you are "leaving" active employment in June, there is an obligation to continue paying dues through the end of August.
 
Not only does this commitment to membership support your active colleagues, it provides you with access to union resources and support to ensure you are treated fairly and that your employer upholds its commitments related to your retirement. 
 
Here are some resources to share with the newest class of retirees:  
 
Retiree Resources
 
  • Cancellation of your current WEAC membership requires a signed letter sent to the Membership Department. Here is a sample letter that needs to be mailed to the address on the letter. This letter MUST include the date and your signature!
  • Retirees should consider enrolling in WEAC-Retired. Membership can be a one-time payment. Here is a brochure detailing the benefits and an enrollment form. 
  • Term life insurance offered through NEA can be increased at a very competitive rate and remains in place as long as you are an active or retired member. If you would like to review this and other member benefits afforded to WEAC & NEA members, please visit www.weac.org/memberbenefits. 
MAKING EARLY ENROLLMENT WORK FOR YOUR UNION
Potential members are now able to join their local association and pay nothing until September 2021 (receiving up to 5 months free)!

Early enrollment excludes representation for disciplinary issues, but it's a great opportunity for interested parties to learn more about who your local union is and what you're working on!

From April to May members who bring on Just One new member to their local will be entered for a chance to win one of up to 10 $50 gift cards! Below is information about the Just One Campaign! Contact your director for forms or questions about the join online feature!
2021 NEA Representative Assembly
June 30 - July 3, 2021

The 2021 NEA RA will again be held virtually the first week of July. 

Please visit the NEA RA page on the WEAC website for the latest information specific to Wisconsin Delegates - click HERE.
The NEA RA website has a page dedicated to delegate resources - click HERE.
Defense Against the Dark Arts: The Science of Happiness
Join your colleagues across the state for this blended learning opportunity examining the science of happiness. This unique course focuses on character strengths, positive emotion, resilience, purpose, positive relationships, and creativity. When educators model qualities of compassion, gratitude and mindfulness, and integrate them into lesson plans, we increase students’ joy and engagement while contributing to a healthy classroom environment.
WEA Trust Stock a Classroom Grant

Are you a WEA Trust Health Plan member and a Wisconsin public school teacher, instructor or education personnel? WEA Trust welcomes you to share how you would spend $1,000 for your instruction area for a chance to WIN a $1,000! Whether it's a classroom, library, gym or shared space your students learn in, the Trust would love to know what would make it better.

Details

  • What: To support educators buying their yearly classroom supplies
  • Who: Any public school education personnel who is a WEA Trust health plan member
  • When: May 17, 2021, to June 18, 2021
  • What: A $1,000 grant. 20 winners will be drawn at random and contacted through the provided email or phone number. Awards will be distributed in July.

Questions? Please email info@WEAtrust.com.

Plan now to attend WEAC’s flagship leadership training, Summer Leadership Academy, Monday, July 26-Wednesday, July 28 at St. Norbert College in De Pere.
Annual Labor Day Family Picnic
Monday, September 6

Mark your calendars for the return of the Annual Labor Day Family Picnic on Monday, September 6, 2021. Celebrate what our members meant as essential workers to our community to help people make it through COVID-19. Tickets are available by calling 920-432-0053.

The AFL-CIO is asking for funds to help sponsor the Labor Day Family Picnic. Please make checks payable to AFL-CIO Community Services, c/o Greater Green Bay Labor Council, 1570 Elizabeth Street, Green Bay 54302.

Volunteers are also needed to help work the event. If you want more information or to get involved, please call 920-432-0053 or join them at their next committee meeting on Thursday, May 20, 5:30PM at the Labor Temple in Green Bay.
This is an 11.0101(10)(b)(1) communication with WEAC members.
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s agent or committee.