Yep-mea weekend
“I liked meeting others my age. I liked having a place where I could learn and grow openly.”
W
ith the promise of learning how to collectively better advocate for students and the profession, early career educators from around the state came together for a weekend training and networking event in Portland. The weekend was one of several events throughout the year connected to MEA’s continued effort to create a space for those who are newer to the profession. Events throughout the year ranged from a designated conference just for our Young Education Professionals of the MEA (YEP-MEA), to a specialized technology training at Rising Tide in Portland, to a weekend training in Portland, to pottery and paint nights. Through MEA’s Young Education Professionals group early career educators can find a space for themselves and work together to get other newer educators to understand the value of belonging and join in the union. Want to learn more? Check out: https://maineea.org/yep-mea/.
YEP-MEA Paint Night in Bangor
After attending YEP-MEA weekend in Portland where members learned everything from teaching with poverty in mind, to how to organize members in their local associations, members left feeling supported, engaged and energized to continue the school year. Here’s what they had to say about the benefits of connecting to YEP-MEA and the programs offered by the Association.
“It was great being around like-minded people and having very thoughtful and eye-opening conversations.” “I liked that there was equal opportunity for learning and for networking.” “Connections, deep discussions, feeling empowered, the food, and FUN!!” “The conversations, and ability to network... It’s very comforting to know that I’m not alone with the problems I’ve been having.” “Getting together with other young educators, sessions and information that were useful and relevant to me, a chance to discuss issues we are facing at our schools and 1) not feel alone, 2) feel like there was something we could do about it, and 3) just be heard.” “I liked the set up for discussions rather than being lectured.”
YEP-MEA Weekend in Portland
YEP-MEA Weekend in Portland YEP-MEA Tech Training in Portland
June 2019 • www.maineea.org
25
