I’ve got some great news to share.

Congratulations to the Ashwaubenon Education Association who successfully completed their certification election coming in with an overwhelming vote of 84% Union yes! Their team created a detailed plan to turn out the vote that involved leadership and members in every building-the plan obviously paid off!

The winter organizing teams in Pulaski, Sheboygan and Appleton are at hard work to check in with new hires, recruit more members and host conversations about collective bargaining.

This week the Sheboygan team had their first visit and educators shared what they want to see in contracts. Issues ranged from class sizes, more self directed time, to more educator voice in decision making. It was a great opportunity to share updates, discuss what a contract negotiation entails, and find people interested in being on a proposal teams.

West De Pere, De Pere and Chilton held Building Rep trainings for their teams. Over pizza, we discussed best practices for representing members, collaborating with principals to solve problems and why being a union member matters to us. The Shawano EA just scheduled their Building Rep training for next month!

If you want to host a collective bargaining conversation in your school or a BR training for your team, please email us at Lytiek@weac.org

In Solidarity,

Kristin Lytie

WEAC Director

In February, local presidents and secretaries will receive an email from WEAC with delegate registration information. If your local needs to update officer information, have had a change in leadership, or if you have questions regarding delegate registration, please call the WR3 office for assistance.

Sauk Prairie Superintendent Jeff Wright topped State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly for fundraising in reports last week, and he prevailed on a challenge to kick him off the ballot by an Underly supporter who argued in part his nomination papers should have called the office “State Superintendent of Public Instruction” instead of “Wisconsin Superintendent of Public Instruction.”

The third candidate in the race, Brittany Kinser, is working to get far-right donors to pitch in. We can expect Kinser’s strong history as a Rocketship administrator to help with that, even though she’s trying not to let her voucher flag fly. Her campaign manager is former Republican lawmaker Amy Loudenbeck, hired away from her Policy Director role at School Choice Wisconsin. Kinser declined to meet with the WEAC PAC.

• NEA's Comprehensive Immigration Guide (also attached): https://www.nea.org/resource-library/guidance-immigration-issues
• Red Cards: https://www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas
• Family Preparedness Plan: https://www.ilrc.org/sites/default/files/resources/family_preparedness_plan_v3-20170323.pdf
• Department of Education Dear Colleague Letter - Resources for Ensuring Equal Access to Education for Immigrant Students: https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/key-policy-letters/dear-colleague-letter-resources-ensuring-equal-access-education-immigrant-students
• Education for All Campaign: https://education4all.us/
• Plyler and Data Collection: https://www.nilc.org/resources/plyler-and-data-collection
• Webinars about immigration rights: https://www.mobilize.us/nea/event/748428/

Teacher leadership is no longer optional. Both research and practice have demonstrated its importance in student learning, teacher retention, school culture, school improvement, the crafting of sound education policy, and productive and innovative teachers’ associations. Those who engage in teacher leadership in any capacity have seen its impact on their students and colleagues, but the evidence goes far beyond the anecdotal.

This course is based on the eight Instructional Teacher Leadership Competencies. During the course you will identify your strengths and weaknesses with a lens on Instruction. You'll participate in the design process of learn, design, do and reflect.

Blended Learning program ONLY

3 hours face-to-face and online modules with resources

Course Objectives:

• Identify strengths and weaknesses in Instructional Leadership
• Explore instructional leadership competencies
• Identify a problem and create a plan for taking action
• Reflect on learning

This National Education Association developed curriculum has the answers. Instruction is personalized based on your needs. 15 hour commitment over 6 weeks (class done in the comfort of your home with support from GBEA member Virtual Coaches)

FREE Open to ALL members at ALL levels and ALL stages of their careers.

*Non-members cost $100

*Course starts February 10th and finishes the week of March 17th

Questions? Contact Rachael Poppe, Lead Local Course Facilitator

WEAC members who use WEAC Savers Club find big savings on health club memberships, weight loss programs and fitness equipment. If your resolution requires traveling, you can find savings on restaurants, water parks, hotels, rental cars and more. That is in addition to savings on everyday items you might have to buy such as school supplies, classroom needs, clothes, and technology.

• Spanish for Educators
• Early Career Educator Resource Guide
• Affirming Asian American Identities
• National Board Certification
• Becoming an Ambassador for Equity
• Best Practices in Classroom Management