February 2, 2018
Vol. 2, #6



Hi all,

Happy February! I love this month because it contains the LOVE day - Valentine's Day - and it makes me think of love! I love public education. I love working for the great people that work in public education, mostly because they love what they do because they love kids. They love the dream that all kids of all ages are nurtured and educated in a loving environment. They love the idea of education and its goal of giving a pathway to success for all. They love making a difference in kids' lives. I love my family and my husband and when I go to yoga class and my yogi encourages us to find a mantra for the day, I choose love. When all my intention is focused on love, my day is brighter and I smile more and I sleep well at night knowing I tried my best to show love all day long.

What do you love? Is it your public school? See some great ideas below on how to celebrate "I Love My Public School Week," February 12-16.

--Peace
Kathy Rohde
Regional Director 


Celebrate Success!



WEAC Region 3 welcomes 
 21
 
new members in January!


Congratulations to
Sue Dishaw Britz!

After 24 years working tirelessly for our members, first as a Research Consultant at United Northeast Educators (UNE), then as a UniServ Director at UNE, Bay Lakes United Educators , and  Region 3 (all in the same office and at the same desk in Green Bay!), Sue, as of January 19, 2018, is officially retired. 

Sue was honored in 2016 with the  Cunningham, Dickinson, Watson Award that is given to a staff person for "initiatives, ideas, actions, or consistent performance that has enabled members in Wisconsin to better themselves and advance public education." This d istinction recognized her many years of dedicated and excellent service to our members.

We miss Sue and wish her the very best in all her future endeavors.

Kathy Rohde and Dave Campshure are currently addressing member requests in Sue's Locals - Leaders and members in her locals should call the WR3 office at 800-472-5582 with questions.
The search for a replacement for Sue's position has begun.



loveFor ideas on how to celebrate, click on this flyer.

IMPORTANT Income Tax Information

Tax Prep Discounts
Did you know members can get a discount on tax preparation services?

In the Green Bay Area, Tax Management Services, Inc., offers discounts to members. Mention that you are a WEAC Region 3 members when you call 920-432-1985.

Services such as H&R Block, Jackson Hewitt, Turbo Tax & Quickbooks are offered through the WEAC Saver's Club. Don't forget to check out the many other discounts members can take advantage of on insurance, shopping and more! Here is the link:   WEAC Saver's Club.

   
Itemize Your Union Dues
If you file a form 1040 and itemize your deductions, your local, state, and national union dues are tax deductible on Schedule A.  Members who would like to receive a letter that documents your dues payments for 2017, please call the WEAC Region 3 office at 1-800-472-5582 or email your request to Region3@weac.org.
 
Also, remember the Educator Tax Deduction! There is a $250 tax deduction for educators who purchased classroom supplies and instructional materials for 2017.
 
Tip of the Month

  
The Ten-Minute Meeting
All too often we hear, "there's no reason to hold a meeting if there's nothing to report/decide/vote on." Or, we hear, "I'm not sure we have a union because there are never any meetings." But mostly, we hear, "I don't have TIME to go to ANOTHER meeting."
 
You have an opportunity to keep members in the loop AND respect their time by holding 10-minute meetings! It's also a great time to get feedback from people in the building. 

If you feel like you're in a rut, why not try the 10-minute meeting?

For more details about how the 10-minute meeting works, click  here.

Past topics can be found in our archived newsletters on our website:
October 6, 2017 - teacher licensure changes
November 3, 2017 - recertification election
December 1, 2017 - NEA Benefits
January 5, 2018 - Union Contact Information


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:   

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. 
 

Professional Development

The WEA Academy has a new look with a brand-new website (click on the image above)! Check out great course offerings including virtual booktalks, online courses, and more. Coming soon: a state-wide calendar of Professional Development events offered by the Academy, WEAC, Regions, and everywhere in between!


National Board Certification Information Session
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
5:30 - 7:00 pm
WEAC Region 3 office OR virtually via Zoom
Register here.


Professional Issues Conference
March 2-4, 2018
Madison, WI

Register here.

Bargaining Info - - CPI

 
Beginning date of one-year collective bargaining agreement
Applicable CPI-U as determined by WI Department of Revenue
July 1, 2018
2.13%


WEAC Region 3
800-472-5582
rohdek@weac.org
www.region3.weac.org