Amazed Grace
I imagine you’re familiar with the song, “Amazing Grace”? Well, for me, the title should be “Amazed Grace,” because it’s all of you who amaze me!
Over the last few weeks, I had more opportunities than usual to meet with and spend time with many more of our members—and I have loved every minute!
It was so uplifting to see members, both active and retired, at our Lobby Day over the school break in February. Educators came to the State House to speak with legislators about what is happening in their schools as well as the need to prioritize raising wages for support staff and salaries for teachers to help address the ongoing educator shortage. So many districts across our state have continued to be unable to hire qualified staff to fill the many vacant positions—positions that are needed to provide the supports our students need. Please keep talking with your legislators about what you are experiencing—tell them like it is! And join us on our next Lobby Day! Your voice matters so much to be sure the people making decisions that affect you and students understand your perspectives and experiences.
At area meetings held by our UniServ Directors for local leaders I had the chance to hear about the work you are doing to represent and advocate for colleagues as well as push at the negotiating table to bargain better agreements that will help retain the great educators we have and attract more to the profession. Hearing about the efforts locals are making to organize around issues and stand strong is inspiring, to say the least. I urge everyone to help out by stepping up in their local in any way you can!
I recently attended the conference held by the Educators for a Multilingual Maine (EMME). It was an amazing event, planned, organized, and run by EMME leaders in their “spare” time, as so many conferences of our academic affiliates are. The presenters, our colleagues, shared their knowledge and expertise. It was energizing to hear about and be reminded of the incredible work educators are doing, especially as we strive to meet the needs of our diverse student population.
MEA Committees met again in March. There were great discussions in each meeting, showing the commitment of our members to the Association as well as their dedication to fellow educators and the profession itself, taking time on a Saturday to come together. (If you are interested in adding your voice to this work, be sure to check out the information about MEA committees on our website!)
The Maine Art Education Association again sponsored Youth Art Month. At the reception and exhibition that we were glad to host again here at MEA headquarters, I got to speak with teachers who took time on a Sunday to meet the families of the students whose beautifully creative work is on display. (Take time to come enjoy it when you’re nearby!)
Other recent opportunities I had to be amazed by members: the Educators for Gun Safety group continues to discuss ways to help make our schools and campuses safer; I had the chance to touch base with members at an Associated Faculties of the Universities of Maine (AFUM) Executive Board meeting; I checked in with some of our retirees on the MEA Retired Executive Board who met here recently; and I got to chat with members who serve on the MEA Benefits Trust before their monthly meeting. These are just a few more examples of how educators go above and beyond.
I realize there is much more happening that I have missed here—music festivals, one-act plays, sports practices and events, all sorts of student clubs and activities that members support–all happening for our students because of YOUR efforts. You do so much for our students, for colleagues, for our communities, and for our state. YOU are AMAZING!
The best part of this position that I am both humbled and honored to hold is talking with you and hearing about all the things you do that help fulfill the MEA vision of “Great public schools for every Maine student.”
Thank you!
In Unity,
Grace
