Welcome!

April 2024

The SEA is our professional association representing nearly three hundred members in at least a couple of dozen positions. Our Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) represents us all. There’s just no way, however, to compare different roles and responsibilities within those roles. Work days and working conditions are different, but the SEA represents and will support every member in our association. If you are being asked to do something outside of your job expectations, or to commit to time beyond the contract, push back. Ask questions. And definitely talk to a building representative. Please don’t suffer in silence or worry with colleagues. The association can support you, but we have to know there’s an issue. In fact, we have a protocol for that very purpose which can be accessed here. Let’s make a point of continuing to work together and supporting each other. When we work together and communicate effectively we can recognize issues that need to be addressed and we can get to them quickly, efficiently, and effectively. Remember that the association wants to know what’s on your mind. If you have an idea, suggestion, or concern that needs addressing, consult the member flowchart and/or your building representative to begin the process of getting that information forwarded or the issue addressed. We are in a much better position to help individuals and the association as a whole when we work with and communicate with each other, together.

In this issue:

• SEA Scholarship

• SEA Website

• SEA Member Shout-Out

• Miscellaneous Items

SEA Scholarship

An email was recently distributed with specifics about the SEA Scholarship, available to children of SEA members. Applications and additional information are available in the “Files and Downloads” page on the website. All applications must be mailed to the SEA post office box.

SEA Website

Our improved website is a great place to find SEA related information. If you haven’t had an opportunity to see the upgrades or if you want to see the information available, check it out here. Information is updated regularly, so bookmark and visit often.

SEA Member Shout-Out

SEA members have an opportunity to recognize fellow members regularly not only for the work they do with students, but also for their commitment and contributions to the association. SEA members can identify a deserving colleague and nominate them through the google form posted on the SEA website. Results will be published in the SEA Monthly Memo and posted on the SEA website. The recipient will also receive prize! Let’s continue to honor our deserving members! This is ongoing. In fact, we urge you to take some time and help us recognize a deserving colleague. Click the link to the nomination form here.

This month’s recognition is for Woodbury teacher Justin Golden.

Justin is described as having a “can-do” attitude and always thinks about ways to reach every student and work through challenges in the classroom. Justin also keeps his colleagues and students laughing every day. He volunteers his time coaching soccer and tennis and makes an impact both in and out of the classroom. Additionally, Justin has the ability to form strong relationships with all kinds of students. He has also been an SEA member for years. Justin truly is an amazing teammate and teacher. Justin, on behalf of your colleagues at Woodbury and throughout the district, we thank you for being an incredible teacher, colleague, and SEA member.

Miscellaneous Items

• CBA Quick Reference Guide

• SEA Members’ Incident/Issue Flowchart

• Ongoing Information (recently been updated with additional information from NEA-NH)

On behalf of the SEA Executive Board and SEA leadership, I hope you all have a restful and relaxing April vacation. To make the break even more appealing, email Rachel Bartunek with the word “April” in the subject line to be entered into this month’s raffle.

Documenting

We have been encouraging this for some time now.  In fact, this is just good, professional practice.  Documenting is particularly important if you are being asked to satisfy responsibilities that may take you beyond your contract hours or job description, if you are involved in a situation that demands compliance, or if you are dealing with student behavior that may be increasingly problematic.  With documentation, the association will be in a much better position to support you if necessary.  Instead of just stating a problem or issue, when we have specific information and examples, we are in a much better position to get results—and specific information is always requested.   Keep comprehensive and specific notes that highlight the situation and your involvement.

NEA-Member Benefits

References to these benefits has been a part of most of the previous SEA Monthly Memos.  However, we want to pay particular attention to these benefits this month.  Members of SEA Leadership have attended presentations where specific information on these benefits have been provided.  The student loan forgiveness program alone is worth reviewing.  At a recent presentation, a local association highlighted that one of their members was able to get more than $130, 000 in federal student loans forgiven.  Of course, there’s also information on savings for buying cars, vacations, cruises, tickets, and many, many more savings.  In fact, you could accumulate YEARS of membership dues by taking advantage of these deals.  Click HERE to see how much money you might be able to save.

·       Complimentary Life Insurance—In addition to the aforementioned benefits, the NEA provides a complimentary $1,000 life insurance policy.  You are encouraged to check your beneficiary or identify your beneficiary for this benefit.  Log in to member benefits or create an account (use the link above).  Once in, click Resources Life Insurance Protection Name Your Beneficiary. 

Communication

Always keep in mind how important communication is to our ability to address issues.  Make sure someone is aware.  Consult the flowchart mentioned above and speak to a building representative.  Once we’re aware, issues will be addressed through the most effective and efficient channels available. 

Code of Conduct Notice

Please consider taking the time to read through the Code of Conduct from the NH DOE.  The SEA suggests that it is important to do so.

A copy of the it can be found by clicking HERE.

It is also on the Files and Downloads page.