June 10, 2022
Hello-

“I may not know where I’m going, but I sure know where I’ve been.” -- I was driving in my car thinking about what to write for this intro when I heard those lyrics on the radio. See next Friday will be my last day working at Region 3 and while I don’t know what lies ahead of me in retirement, I certainly know what a long, winding, challenging road it has been to get to this point.

While I never held a full-time teaching position after earning majors in Psychology and Secondary Ed Broadfield Social Studies, my careers have all been tied to education and evaluation in some form. From developing and validating employment tests, to evaluating training programs, to designing instructional materials for soldiers deploying to the Gulf War, and finally to, for the past 31 years, advocating for public sector employees.

The first 3, and the last 21, of those 31 years were spent in the same office I will be leaving next week.  Although the name of my employer changed from Bayland & United Northeast Educators (UNE) UniServs to BayLakes United Educators (BLUE) to the current WEAC Region 3. There were many obstacles and setbacks to be dealt with along that path, including the QEO, Act 10, and a global pandemic. But my coworkers and I always kept pushing forward, because we believed in the cause and the individuals we represented. While I will be moving on, the members will continue the fight under the skilled leadership of Kristin, Erin, and Justin with assistance of Debbie and Sue.

Dave Campshure
WR3 Director
Upcoming Events:

June 22, Wednesday, Zone A Meeting, 4PM
 
August 2, Tuesday, Zone D North & South Meeting, 6PM
 
August 3, Wednesday, Zone B Meeting, 4PM
 
August 8, Monday, Zone C Meeting at The Bar on Lynndale & Northland, Appleton, 4PM
MARCH FOR OUR LIVES
Join us Saturday at Leicht Memorial Park to take a stand for Safe Schools. We need real meaningful answers to the national epidemic of violence we're living in. Our Region 3 President Jackie Baumann will be speaking! Join Us!
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
 
Retiring or Thinking About Retiring?

Request an Official Estimate and Application. If you are within 12 months of your minimum retirement age, take the first step in the application process and request an official Retirement Benefit Estimates and Application (ET-4301). Complete one of the request forms below or call a benefits specialist at 1-877-533-5020.
 
Plan ahead: It may take up to 6 weeks for a Retirement Benefit Estimates and Application (ET-4301) to be processed.
REPORT DUES & LEADERSHP CHANGES

If your local association has changes to your leadership, or is making any changes to local EFT (electronic funds transfer) payment schedules and/or local dues, please notify WEAC.  
Good with numbers? Interested in learning more about union finances?
WEAC Region 3 is looking for a new treasurer. The Region 3 Treasurer serves as a member of the Executive Committee which meets every other month. The treasurer present the annual budget and treasurers report to the Region 3 RA and acts as a steward to the financial wellness of our Region. The treasurer term is 2 years. If interested please email region3@weac.org.
Reminder -
Wisconsin Lifetime License Background Check

Wis. Admin Code s. PI 34.041 requires educators who hold a valid Lifetime license to submit a request to the department to have a new background check conducted and to confirm employment status at least once every five years. The request shall be made between January 1 and June 30 of the fifth year since the individual's last background check.  If your most recent background check was in 2017, you are due to submit an application to DPI in order to maintain your Lifetime license.  You must submit this application to DPI by June 30, 2022, to maintain your Lifetime license.  
 
Follow the Application Directions for Background Check to Maintain Lifetime License to submit your background check HERE .
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. 
 
HERE are several upcoming offerings.
 
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, applications for breakout session facilitators are currently being accepted for the Professional Development Institute (PDI) at this link: WEAC - PDI Presenter Application - Wisconsin Education Association Council. 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.
This summer is bringing a much needed opportunity to breathe, finally. With all that educators have endured over the past two years, this summer is the time to refill our cups and take steps to ensure they stay filled throughout this upcoming school year. During this four-hour retreat in New London, Wisconsin, you’ll get to choose from multiple activities to relax and restore in a beautiful nature sanctuary. You’ll also learn tips, tricks, and strategies to add to your toolbox to keep your well-being supported all year long. Finally, time will be taken to set meaningful intentions and strong plans to ensure you’re not finding yourself burned out this school year.
 
Join others for a special summer retreat to help you restore and prepare for your best year of teaching.
 

More information can be found here.

Register now for WEAC's Leadership Academy July 25-27 in De Pere. The WEAC Equity Ambassadors program (see below) will run during the same time frame at that location.

Educators who are passionate about the power of public education to transform lives are invited to attend our next training session, June 25-27 in De Pere running concurrently with the WEAC Leadership Academy.
This union-led training is focused on creating a more just and inclusive society. Equity Ambassadors gain access to mentorship and resources, including expert advice and reference materials.
We have three levels of training to meet educators where you are at, so you're encouraged to invite a group from your local association to take part. There is no cost to attend, thanks to a generous grant from the NEA.
2022 NEA Representative Assembly
July 3 - July 6, 2022
 
The 2022 NEA RA will again be held 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. 
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