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May 25, 2018 |
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Hi all,
On Memorial Day, we remember the women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their lives in service of our country. We also salute the veterans and heroes who are in service today. The three-day weekend also marks the unofficial start of summer, and many of us will be firing up the grill, heading for the cottage or perhaps taking in a ball game -- at home in front of the TV, or at the ballpark.
Whether you're putting together a meal or plotting your first summer activity, you've got choices. As you assemble your shopping lists, remember to always make the ethical choice. We've got some classic summer favorites that should help make these warm months so much more fun. These items are made by American companies that treat their workers with respect. So as you enjoy the season, you'll know you are doing your part to help support good jobs and strengthen the middle class
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Happy Memorial Day!
--Peace
Kathy Rohde
Regional Director
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Are you retiring this year? Do you know someone who is retiring this year?
The WEAC membership year is September 1st through August 31st, and even though you are "leaving" active employment in June, there is an obligation to continue paying dues through the end of August.
Not only does this commitment to membership support your active colleagues, it provides you with access to union resources and support to ensure you are treated fairly and that your employer upholds its commitments related to your retirement.
Here are some resources to share with the newest class of retirees:
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Retiree Resources
- Retirees should consider enrolling in WEAC-Retired. Membership can be a one-time payment. Here is a brochure detailing the benefits and an enrollment form.
- Term life insurance offered through NEA can be increased at a very competitive rate and remains in place as long as you are an active or retired member. Here is a handout and an enrollment form that explains all the details of this important benefit.
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The recent recertification vote held by the NWTC Educational Support Specialists failed by 2 votes. However, the unit experienced voting difficulties in the first 24 hours of the voting period April 5-6. All of the SSN#'s were incorrectly entered into the AAA database, but were corrected on the second day of voting. However, some people who reported having difficulty subsequently did not log in to vote. The union challenged the outcome and a new voting period has been approved. The new election began at noon on Friday May 18 and ends at noon on Thursday June 7.
You may vote any time between noon on Friday, May 18, 2018, and noon on Thursday, June 7, 2018. You cannot change your vote after it is cast.
You can vote by telephone (toll free at 1-866-458-9862) or online (
www.aaaelections.org/WERC). The voting system is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, during the voting period. The following are the instructions for voting:
- Be prepared to provide the first four letters of your last name and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
- Follow the instructions provided to you by telephone or online.
- After you vote "yes" or "no," you will be asked to confirm your choice. You must confirm your choice for your vote to be counted.
If you experience any problem with the voting system or need special assistance when voting, please call 1-800-529-5218 for assistance (Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Central Time).
If you have questions about the election process, go to "Answers to Frequently Asked Election Questions" on the Commission's website at
http://werc.wi.gov.
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Benjamin Grignon is State's 2019 High School Teacher of the Year
Benjamin Grignon, teacher of traditional Menominee crafts at Menominee Indian High School in Keshena and a member of WEAC Region 3, is a Wisconsin 2019 High School Teacher of the Year. As a teacher of traditional arts, specifically Menominee arts, Grignon is unique. "I work with students not only on the art forms of our people, but the language and cultural practices that go along with these arts," he said. "I am constantly finding opportunities to use our culture to reinforce other subjects in our school."
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Dennis Muehl Endowment Grant Recipient
Neenah United Education Association member Nick Westphal was awarded this year's grant monies. Nick had this to say about his award: "As a newly active union member, I was excited to attend my first WEAC RA. I now better understand how WEAC is governed and I was able to connect with other educators through out the state. Hearing others' hopes and challenges inspired me to continue to be active in my local union! Thank you for your support financially with the Dennis Muehl Endowment Grant."
This grant was created from memorial contributions following Dennis Muehl's death in October 1995. Dennis Muehl was the first Director of Bayland Teachers United, our area's first Uniserv. This grant is open to all WEAC Region 3 members and staff. $300 in grants are awarded annually for union members who want to grow professionally by learning new union skills. Click here for an application.
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Three WEAC Members Recognized for Helping Students See Differently
Three WEAC members are being recognized by the Department of Public Instruction for having "a colossal impact" by helping students "see school in different and important ways." Teacher Frank Juarez of Sheboygan (WEAC Region 3), Joanna Rizzotto of South Milwaukee (WEAC Region 7) and Mark Nepper of Madison (Madison Teachers Inc.) are among teachers featured in a special issue of the ConnectEd newsletter.
Read on.
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Registration NOW Available!
Region 3 is re-vamping the popular "Leadership Boot Camp."
Solidarity Seminar
Tuesday, June 12, 9 am - noon
OR
Thursday, June 14, 1-4 pm
What skills will be addressed? All the skills you need to strengthen your Local, engage your members, and rectify the balance of power at your workplace!
Managing Student Behavior Safely
A Workshop for ESP members!
Tuesday, June 12, 1-4 pm
OR
Thursday, June 14, 9 am - noon
You could spend an entire day with us if you sign up for both workshops!
And if you do, we'll provide lunch!
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Tuesday, June 12 |
Thursday, June 14 |
| 9 am - noon |
Solidarity Seminar
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Managing Student Behavior Safely
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| 1 - 4 pm |
Managing Student Behavior Safely
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Solidarity Seminar
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Here at Region 3, we get lots of questions from teachers about the recent licensure changes. When and how can I report successful semesters of teaching? How much does a background check cost? How do I apply for the background check? The wheels seem to be turning slowly as the DPI has not yet finalized processes and procedures for these things.
For the latest info, check out the Licensing Blog.
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On June 11, in partnership with the NEA, The WEA Academy is promoting a webinar geared toward new teachers. It's geared for new teachers, but early career educators may want to tune in too.
Register here.
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National Board Certification: Get a Jump Start!
Mon., July 30 - Wed., August 1
UW-Eau Claire
Developed by a team of Nationally Board-Certified Teachers (NBCTs) from across
the country, NEA Jump Start is a comprehensive, three+ day seminar designed to
provide early support to National Board candidates. Jump Start lays the groundwork
for understanding the certification process by deeply examining component
and assessment center requirements. Time is dedicated to gathering resources and
information needed to become successful in certifying. All of this is provided in a
supportive, constructive, and collegial environment.
Jump Start Modules: Specific focus is placed on the following content: Foundations
(NBCT standards & process overview), Component 1 (content knowledge), Component
2 (differentiation in instruction), Component 3 (teaching practice & learning
environment), and Component 4 (the effective & reflective practitioner). SEE FLYER
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Register Now for the 2018 WEAC Summer Leadership Academy
The 2018 Summer Leadership Academy will return to UW-Eau Claire July 30-August 1. This year's Academy is a repeat of last year's conference but has taken on an entirely new look, as well as a new focus. We know that the strength of the State Association lies within the strength of each and every local. The Summer Leadership Academy is meant to empower the local leaders in their work with members, the community, administration, elected leaders and the students they serve on a day-to-day basis.
Find out more about the Summer Leadership Academy and register now!
Dennis Muehl grant funds are available for attendees!
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Live Webinars Scheduled for May / June
ETF is offering a series of 30-minute, live, interactive webinars designed to increase your understanding of Wisconsin Retirement System benefits. Individuals can also ask questions at the end of these sessions. Visit their webinar page to learn more. Here is what others have said about their webinars:
"My participation in the webinar was a first for me, and I just want to compliment you on how easy it was to connect, follow along, and provide questions or requests. Excellent job!"
"Thanks for having these valuable webinars. The professional but conversational style helped me to understand the presentation as easily as an "in office" meeting. Really appreciate that the presenter fully understands the subject. Wonderful job."
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Retirement and Long-Term Care Insurance Seminars & Individual Consultations
WEAC Region 3
1136 North Military Avenue in Green Bay
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Click on the links below to register.
Long Term Care Insurance Options:
Individual LTCi Consultations:
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This is an 11.0101(10)(b)(1) communication with WEAC members
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WEAC is recommending candidates who prioritize students and public schools in the June 12 special election. READ ON.
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Click HERE to see our Region 3 Calendar. It includes WEAC and Region 3 governance meetings, Professional Development events, and many other workshops, meetings, and events sponsored by our office.
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- WEA Member Benefits Financial Planner, Thursday, June 21 (and the third Thursday of every month) @ WEAC Region 3. To make an appointment contact: Brenda Echeverria 800-279-4030, ext. 3300.
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