February 5, 2021
MEMBERSHIP EDITION, Vol. 5, #6

Hello friends,

There are seven candidates running for State Superintendent and WEAC members spent many hours discussing who they should recommend to fellow educators. After much deliberation they came to consensus on Dr. Jill Underly for State Superintendent. Dr. Underly has worked in all facets of public education from Pre-Kindergarten through higher education as a high school and middle school social studies teacher, a University of Wisconsin College of Letters & Science academic advisor, a Title I Consultant and assistant manager at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, an elementary principal and director of instruction, and most recently, a rural school district superintendent. Currently, Underly serves as the administrator for the Pecatonica School District. Given that wealth of experience it just makes sense.

Want to get to know more about her? Region 3 is hosting a virtual meet and greet with Dr. Underly 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, February 10. This meeting will be a great space for union members to learn more about Jill's values, experience and how to help her campaign. Register HERE. We will conclude our meet and greet with our monthly Virtual Gathering - an open forum open to all Region 3 members. Do you have a question you want to ask Dr. Underly? Email it to the Region 3 Team at Region3@WEAC.org. You can also read more about why WEAC members chose Dr. Jill Underly HERE.

Personally I was excited to vote for Dr. Underly because she understands the importance of teacher voice and keeping the promise to fully fund public schools.

In Solidarity,

Kristin Lytie
Regional Director
WEAC Region 3
Upcoming Events:
 
Wednesday, February 10, Virtual Meet & Greet wit Dr. Underly, WR3 Gathering, 4:30PM

Thursday, February 11, Zone E Meeting, 5:30PM

Thursday, February 18, NBCT, 5PM

Tuesday, February 23, Zone B Meeting, 5:30PM

Wednesday, February 24, Executive Committee Meeting, 6PM

Wednesday, April 7, WEAC Pre-RA, 5PM

Friday-Saturday, April 23-24, WEAC RA (virtual)

Saturday, May 8, WEAC Region 3 RA (virtual)
Virtual Meet & Greet with Dr. Jill Underly
Region 3 is hosting a virtual meet and greet with WEAC recommended candidate for State Superintendent,
Dr. Jill Underly
Wednesday, February 10 4:30 p.m.
Register in advance for this virtual meeting HERE.
Have a question you would like Jill to answer? If so, please send it to region3@weac.org and we will add it to the list.
This is an 11.0101(10)(b)(1) communication with WEAC members

To help integrate Black History Month into classrooms, the NEA offers a selection of lesson plans that cover a variety of subjects and that can be adapted to fit multiple grade levels.
Across race and place, educators, parents and allies are coming together to ensure that every Black student and educator can live, grow and thrive with support, love and joy.

The goal of Black Lives Matter at School is to spark an ongoing movement of critical reflection and honest conversation and impactful actions in school communities for people of all ages to engage with issues of racial justice.

Find stories, resources and ideas highlighting Black Lives Matter at School from across the country.
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 February 10-Minute Meeting topic:
Know Your Candidates and GOTV
February 16th is the primary for the State Superintendent race, and we want everyone to turn out for Dr. Jill Underly but it's also a primary for a lot of school board races. Even if your local union isn't going to formally recommend a candidate, it's worth having an internal conversation about who the best pro-education candidates are. If you wait to do this until after the primary you may have lost your opportunity for a great candidate. The Howard Suamico Education Association recently decided to host a happy hour with members and potential members to discuss the potential school board candidates. Two members volunteered to research the candidates and share their findings with the group. Maybe this would work for your union too!

WELCOME
NEW MEMBERS IN JANUARY:
16!
We're stronger
every day!

  • Jan 27 - Register by mail
  • Jan 27 - Register to vote online
  • Feb 2 thru 14 - In-person early voting*
  • Feb 11 - Request regular absentee ballot
  • Feb 12 - Register at municipal clerk's office
  • Feb 16 - Register at polling place
  • Feb 16 - Return absentee ballot

  • Mar 17 - Register by mail
  • Mar 17 - Register to vote online
  • Mar 23 thru Apr 4 - In-person early voting *
  • Apr 1 - Request regular absentee ballot
  • Apr 2 - Register at municipal clerk's office
  • Apr 6 - Register at polling place
  • Apr 6 - Return absentee ballot

*Check with your municipal clerk for specific days and times.
Region 3 encourages Locals to get involved in their district's school board elections and/or referendums.

Please contact your Region 3 Director for school board candidate screening questions and information on the types of assistance available through Region 3 PAC.
 
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.
On Wednesday, February 10, be sure to register for Using HyperDocs. A HyperDoc is a simple yet powerful tool for online learning. More than just some links on a page, a HyperDoc allows you to bundle lessons, tasks, and assessments together in one document that can easily be differentiated for particular students or groups.

The registration link can be found HERE.
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!
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.