April 30, 2021
Hello friends,

We're so close to the end of a very challenging year. Unfortunately, in some of our districts a very vocal minority is endangering the health and safety of our communities by attempting to eliminate masking requirements.

Luckily most of the school boards in Region 3 understand they have a duty to protect the health and safety of their staff, students and the community as a whole and have held strong against this pressure.

If, in the FINAL days of this school year this is happening in your district, your union can take action! There are a variety of things we can do to show the board you support their decision to maintain masking and your union leadership along with your Region 3 Director can help you plan it!

Actions you can take:
  • Attend your board meetings, see what community members are talking to your board about
  • Create a statement of support that all staff signs
  • Create a survey to show how much staff values masking

If your district has forgone the mask mandate and you have a qualifying medical condition, you could ask for an accommodation that would require students to wear masks in your classroom. Contact your Region 3 Director to learn more about this. Together we'll finish this school year safely.

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

May 6, Thursday

May 8, Saturday
Region 3 RA

June 9, Wednesday, Executive Committee Meeting, 6PM

June 10, Zone B Meeting, 4:30PM
Thank a Teacher
Teacher Appreciation Week is
May 3-7, 2021

Thank an educator for keeping learning on track during this extraordinary school year by posting a thank you note to a Wisconsin Public School teacher today. Your message will be shared across Wisconsin and your featured teacher may be selected for special recognition. Submit a thank you HERE.
WTCS Election Results

Congratulations to all WTCS locals in Region 3! All successfully recertified!

Click here for statewide results.
New contracts will be 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
Educators are counting on elected officials to act in the best interest of Wisconsin Public School students as they develop the 2021-23 state budget. That starts with listening to input from teachers, support professionals and families. Sign the Pledge for Our Students to show your commitment to public education in the state budget. You'll receive a Public School Advocate laptop sticker and important alerts about the state budget.
Are you a teacher, education support professional, school nurse, or counselor who cares about our children's futures in Wisconsin? Do you want a better public education system that works for your child, and all children? WEAC wants to hear about your experiences through their State Budget Video Project. They are filming safe, in-person stories for a docuseries to bring about a 2021-23 Wisconsin State Budget that supports public education and families. Together, we can make a better life and education system for everyone in Wisconsin. Stipends are available as a thank you for time spent helping us create this project. SIGN UP NOW.
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!

A membership drive that utilizes early enrollment while rewarding current members for their organizing efforts! 

Shoutout to:
Ashwaubenon EA
Marinette EA
Howard Suamico EA
for bringing on new members!
We'll talk more about their wins in the weekly
Just One Campaign update email!

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.

Want to be part of the update emails and strengthen your union with the Just One Campaign? Fill out this FORM. 
WEAC Weekly
Webinar Wednesday

On Wednesday, May 5, be sure to register for Equity and Access in Science Education. The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has begun a discussion focused on making science learning more accessible and equitable for all of our students. During this session, educators will share progress on this work and provide an opportunity for a facilitated discussion around equity and access in science education.

Registration HERE.

Region 3/GBEA National Board
Support Sessions
Last Session May 6
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. 
PR Grant Money Available from WEAC Region 3

If your Local has an upcoming project, or needs an incentive to create one, filling out this application may get you some helpful funds to realize your project. What's the point? Getting some recognition that you deserve!

Dennis Muehl Endowment Grant Money Available

If you are interested in strengthening your union muscles by attending a workshop or conference or other union-related activities, you can apply for grant money to do so. Check out this application.
WEAC Region 3 Representative Assembly
May 8, 2021

The WEAC Region 3 RA will be held virtually Saturday, May 8. Delegates to the RA will be electing the following positions to the WR3 Executive Committee: Treasurer, Secretary, ESP Member-at-Large, and Zone Leaders. 

Please contact the WEAC Region 3 office if you have any questions at 920-496-2440, 800-472-5582 or email Region3@weac.org. 
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.
Educator Employment Opportunity

The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) is a nonprofit dedicated to identifying and developing the talents of academically advanced K-12 students around the world. They provide today’s brightest students with fun, challenging courses; a community of engaged learners; and a strong foundation for future success in college and their careers.

CTY’s distance learning programs, CTY Online and L.I.V.E, are gearing up for spring (April) and summer (June) sessions. As a result, they have multiple part-time (casual, similar to adjunct) positions. The roles include:

  • Academic Dean (begins in June)
  • Instructor and Instructor Supervisor
  • Program Assistant
  • Tutorial Assistant/Teaching Assistant

Over the past year, they have developed healthy and mutually fruitful relationships with educators and advocates all across the country. Their goal is to bring visibility to our members regarding current and future employment opportunities by partnering directly with us. Many of their casual staff members cited some of the following items, as reasons for working with CTY:

  • Working with some of the world’s brightest and most engaging children and adolescents
  • Flexible schedule
  • Flexible workspace due to being 100% remote
  • Supplemental income
  • Helping to build a vibrant living-learning community
  • Opportunities to work in a singular or multiple academic focus areas
  • Building long-lasting professional relationships with dedicated educators from around the world

Here's a link to the candidate interest form: https://centerfortalentedyouth.formstack.com/forms/allprograms. This form will provide you with more information and allow you to directly express your interest in working for CTY. 
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.