What I Did on My Summer “Vacation”
A new school year is underway, and my term as your MEA President is, too! Although, like many of you, my summers were never really “vacations”-due to second jobs, curriculum work, or taking courses-this summer definitely tops my list of busy ones!
I vowed on my first day in the office to keep a journal of this new experience-so far, that first entry is the only one! Below are a few of the activities that have filled the days since then as well as some additional items of interest, but first, an URGENT TOPIC:
Why The Supreme Court Nominee Matters to Our Union
At the summer meeting, the MEA Board voted to oppose the confirmation of Judge Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. Read more to find out why, and what you can do to help. READ MORE
Which Candidates Support Public Schools?
MEA understands those who are elected into office make decisions that impact your work. For that reason, MEA members interview candidates for local and national offices, and choose those who support our public school students and schools. Find out who MEA members are endorsing in the 2018-19 election. Note: No dues dollars go to candidates’ campaigns, only voluntary contributions. READ MORE
MEA Board of Directors Meeting
The MEA is always hard at work for you-and so are the Board of Directors, who are elected by those in their district to represent their thoughts, concerns and needs. Learn more about the MEA Board’s work this summer. READ MORE
Membership Matters
Along with welcoming your new colleagues to your districts and offering them your support, be sure to talk to them about the importance of joining the Association! Be sure to share your reasons for belonging, along with the many benefits of membership. READ MORE
Red for Ed on Wednesdays
Let’s make the work we do every day for our students as visible as we can in our communities and keep the movement going and growing. Wear RED for PUBLIC ED on Wednesdays and snap some photos and share on MEA’s social media! #redfored
What’s your 411?
I’ve been hearing from some that they are not getting messages from MEA-please check your spam/junk mail folder-there may be messages there! And please share a home e-mail address (rather than a school one) with MEA if possible to be sure you receive important updates. Send your email address to: [email protected]
Upcoming Events & Save the Date!
- Pre-Retirement Sessions-Sign up now-these fill up quickly! The first session is in Ellsworth on Sept. 12th.
- Sign Up Today http://www.mearetired.com/mea-mea-r-pre-retirement-seminar-schedule-2018-2019.html
- Day of Caring-Join MEA Retired members in the many activities around the state to support our students, members, and schools READ MORE
- Portland Museum of Art Teacher Open House and Appreciation Event (free to all teachers–Thursday, Sept. 13th 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.-RSVP to Emily Junker at [email protected]
- National Board Certification–There are many reasons to become board-certified. Board-certified teachers prove their effectiveness in the classroom every day. For more information, go to: nbpts.org To register for MEA’s National Board Candidate Support Workshops, REGISTER HERE
- MEA Fall Conference-October 19-20 – Watch your e-mail for information!
- NEA Retired Lifetime membership (for information, go to nea.org/retired or e-mail Dianne Leighton at [email protected])
- Interested in getting more involved in the MEA? Join a committee! There are still vacancies on MEA Committees. They meet three or four times a year (first meeting date is October 13th), either at headquarters in Augusta or via technology, and are a great way to get to know fellow educators from across the state. READ MORE
- Partnership for Caring-Have a member in need? Funding could be available to help FMI: READ MORE
In Unity,
Grace Leavitt, President
Maine Education Association
