Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1472975
Summer is upon us, and I am hopeful that you all find an opportunity to relax and recharge. Yes, I know that summer is likely just as busy as any other time of the year, but please take time to prioritize yourself and your family. The Wyoming Education Association continues to stay busy year-round as we advocate for our students and education employees across the state. There continues to be much work happening at many levels related to education around the state. As I reflect on the work to be done now and into the next school year, I am struck by the presence WEA is giving members in the organizations and work pertaining to public education and policy in our state. Through WEA, teachers and all education employees' voices are being included in the work shaping policy that guides education in Wyo ming. As a WEA member, you have a seat at every table that matters! Here are a few of the ways we at WEA are ensuring educator voice is being represented: WEA Political Action Committee for Education (WEA PACE) WEA PACE is working diligently to elect lawmakers and other officials who will protect and improve public education through good policy. Be sure to reference WEA PACE candidate endorsements on pa ge 6! Wyoming State Board of Education (SBE) WEA Brings member voice into State Board of Education meetings by attending meetings, testifying during public comment periods, and sharing needs and initiatives from SBE to help members stay informed and get involved. Apprenticeship Program Advisory Team I serve on the Apprenticeship Program Advisory Team. As the state works on alternate certification path ways for educators, WEA is consulting with the Department of Education, reminding them of the current workload being carried by certified and classified staff. The Association is seeking clarification on how this program will be funded, how ESPs and teachers will be able to shoulder the responsibilities associated with this program in addition to their current workloads, and how the state will ensure tea chers certified through this program meet the same rigorous standards for education and experience as those seeking education degrees through more traditional 4-year university pathways. Wyoming School-University Partnership (WSUP) WEA is a contributing organization of WSUP. The Wyoming School-University Partnership is a statewide collaborative group of school districts, community colleges, the Universit y of Wyoming, and state education organizations working together to simultaneously improve teacher education and renew public schooling. I serve on the WSUP Governing Board, representing the voice of our membership. Wyoming Educators' Benefit Trust (WEBT) Many members don't realize that WEA created WEBT to provide an option for health insurance for small school districts in the state that couldn't afford to offer benefits. It has since been expanded to include county and city employees. We provide healthcare insurance to over 18,000 residents in the state of Wyoming. I serve as Chair of the WEBT Board of Directors. Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board (PTSB) WEA works with PTSB to ensure members' input is being shared at all governing meetings. WEA keeps members informed on ways to get involv ed with PTSB. WEA also provides PTSB credit for many of our conferences and Professional Development events. University of Wyoming College of Education's inaugural cohort of the Wyoming Educator-Mentor Corps WEA has worked to nominate and select mentors to participate in this innovative new program aimed at fostering a love for education careers in early career educators. As WEA President, I was afforded the opportunity to serve on the selection committee, which chose the inaugural cohort of mentors (many of whom are WEA members) who will participate in this program. University of Wyoming College of Education collaboration with Dr. Mark Perkins, Assistant Professor, and Education Researcher WEA worked with Dr. Perkins to share a Teacher Satisfaction Survey with WEA members. The results are now being use d to advocate for streamlined assessment processes, more manageable workloads for education employees, and more. See the results of this survey on our homepage at wyoea.org. Joint Education Committee WEA is an active participant in advocating at the Capitol during legislative sessions and during Interim Committee meetings. I know that you, as educators wear many different hats. Please take comfort in k nowing that the Association is doing the same for you. Our work in various arenas ensures that educator voice is spotlighting the needs and priorities of students and education employees. Being involved in this important work is an honor and a privilege. I'm humbled to be able to serve our membership in these ways and so thankful that our members rise to the call to be involved in making Wyoming public s chools the best places they can be to learn and work. Sincerely, F R O M T H E D E S K O F P R E S I D E N T H U T C H E R S O N Grady Hutcherson President, WEA ghutcherson@wyoea.org | (307) 532-1731 4