June is a busy month for us all, I know!
At MEA, we just wrapped up a successful MEA Representative Assembly and Awards Banquet—you can see some scenes of the events here and a summary of the actions taken will be in the next issue of The Maine Educator.
While we’re still working hard on getting important legislation across the finish line, we’re also deep into preparing for the upcoming NEA Representative Assembly, summer officer trainings, and MEA Board and membership meetings.
But even though you’re busy, please take time to scan through this message—there are surely some things you don’t want to miss!
IMPORTANT—Many local associations are holding elections for officers and executive board positions—please be sure to send updated lists in to MEA with contact information!
Local association presidents and treasurers, both new and continuing, should attend one of the Presidents’/Treasurers’ trainings with us—here is the information and the link to register.
Also, for those who have recently ratified your collective bargaining agreement, first of all, congratulations, and second, be sure to send in a copy for the MEA database.
And if you are interested in being considered for one of the one-year vacancies on the MEA Board of Directors, the information is here: MEA Elections – Maine Education Association (maineea.org)
This Month
JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH! Join other MEA members at upcoming events to have some fun and to show our support! SIGN UP HERE
NEA sent out information about the Teach Truth Day of Action this Saturday, but if you missed it and are interested: Teach Truth Day of Action June 10 – Zinn Education Project (zinnedproject.org)
For Juneteenth: Teaching Juneteenth and the Meaning of Freedom | NEA
EARLY ENROLLMENT CONTINUES! Keep up the good work talking to any not-yet members about why you belong and clue them in on this deal! Let’s keep our locals and MEA growing ever stronger! https://maineea.org/join/
Professional Development and Other Opportunities from MEA and NEA
Registration for the MEA Summer Conference, July 31-August 1 in Portland, will be coming soon—don’t miss this opportunity for great professional development as well as the chance to network with members!
NEA has partnered with Challenging Racism to bring to members three (3) exclusive training programs: Racial Equity Toolkit, Learning How, and Learning to Lead. Here are the details: Partners – Challenging Racism
And remember that NEA has many microcredentials on DEI—check them out: CategoryDetail (certificationbank.com)
ALSO:
The Maine Department of Education again is holding the Maine Educator Summit in August, and this year it is combined with the Maine School Safety Summit. I attended both last summer and would encourage others to attend this year if possible—the Safety Summit has sessions for all educators in all roles. https://www.maine.gov/doe/MaineEducatorsSummit2023
And here are PD offerings from Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance, one of our academic affiliates: Welcome to MMSA May 2023 E-Newsletter (mailchi.mp)
Resources
ICYMI–information and resources on mental health: Student & Educator Mental Health | NEA
A new toolkit from NEA: LGBTQ+ Support & Protection | NEA
One of this year’s MEA Awards recipients was Robert Shetterly for his work on and portraits of Americans Who Tell the Truth. Lesson plans are available on the website: https://americanswhotellthetruth.org/programs/education/lesson-plans/
Advocacy
NEA has developed an Educator Advocacy Toolkit that highlights tools and strategies for educators in advocating for action toward climate and environmental justice.
Guidance from NEA on legal rights regarding creating a safe and inclusive classroom: Educator Rights to Create an Inclusive Classroom | NEA
As you know—at least, I hope you know!—MEA has been advocating for higher starting salaries and wages for educators. We hope the legislation makes it across the ‘finish line’—we’re doing all we can to see that happen. Meanwhile, here is some interesting information on teacher salaries: raising_the_bar_on_teacher_pay.pdf (teachersalaryproject.org)
AND this was in last month’s President’s message, but if you didn’t see it, here it is again—a valuable guide from NEA about your rights as an educator and activist, this provides a general overview. As always, reach out to MEA about specific issues: Educator Rights Speaking Up for Public Schools and Students (nea.org)
A Message from Your MEA Delegates to the NEA Representative Assembly
A delegation of MEA members will be representing you at the NEA RA early next month. As always, there is push to increase contributions to the NEA Fund for Children and Public Education (the NEA political action fund). The NEA Fund (not dues dollars!) is used to support NEA-endorsed pro-public education candidates who support educators, funding for public schools, and understand that all students learn best when they are healthy, well-nourished, and welcomed in our schools and our communities. Please consider helping by doing one or more of the following:
1. Make a one-time or recurring monthly contribution to the NEA PAC by donating directly here: https://educationvotes.nea.org/donate/
2. Donate an item to the MEA delegation’s virtual auction page by a) going to https://MERA2023.givesmart.com, b) navigating to the Frequently Asked Questions section found right below the blue “View Items” and “Register Now” buttons, and c) submitting the form linked from the very first FAQ.
3. Registering with the auction website (https://MERA2023.givesmart.com) by clicking on the blue “Register Now” button, so you will be notified when the auction is open and you can start bidding on items.
The delegation thanks you in advance for your support!
Remember
If you are interested in being considered for one of the nine MEA Standing Committees, it is not too late, but hurry! Appointments will be made this summer and members will be notified. Here is the information about MEA Committees and meeting dates for 2023-2024:https://maineea.org/mea-committees/
Last but not at all least!
Thank you to the delegates at the 2023 MEA RA and congratulations to the many outstanding MEA Award recipients (you can read about them here: https://maineea.org/meaawards/maine-education-association-awards-night-2023/ ) and to the incredible MEA Clyde Russell Scholarship recipients! The delegates engaged in enthusiastic and respectful debate and a number of important New Business Items were proposed and passed that MEA will work on in the coming months. It is not too soon to be thinking of nominees for next year’s awards and watch in the fall for information on running to be a delegate at next year’s RA!
Our MEA delegation to the NEA RA next month will be updating you on the work and events there, so stay tuned!
Meanwhile, as the academic year comes to a close, please find time for a well-deserved break. I know many who are not in our profession still think that we have ‘summers off’—but we know better, and just looking at the professional development opportunities and other activities and upcoming meetings listed in this message shows that! But do find time for you, for friends and family—and enjoy our beautiful state during the coming weeks!
In Unity,
Grace Leavitt, President
Maine Education Association
