President's Letter

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

November 2020

As I write this month’s letter, so much is at stake. We are confronted by chronic uncertainty and unpredictability and surrounded by ongoing crises that seem to have no end in sight. The number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb, and this takes a toll on all of us, causing the highest levels of anxiety and stress we have likely ever felt. Disastrous wildfires and storms have devastated the lives of our colleagues in other states, yet we see no tangible movement toward addressing climate change. The economic crisis is already hitting though we know it will be much, much worse for months or years to come. Racial injustices are ever more evident and prevalent. Elections add further strain to all of this. At least that is one area that will be resolved—we hope!--as this issue is delivered to you.

And oh yes, daylight hours are shortened and winter is coming.

A lot of what educators always do is not readily visible to the public. Now, with so many activities cancelled—performances, competitions, open houses and the like—much of our work is perhaps even less obvious to others. But we know how hard every educator is working, even harder than before the pandemic. We see what tremendous effort and long hours it is taking to continue to provide the best education possible for students in the most difficult circumstances.

Please know that although some of your Association’s work may also not be visible to all members, MEA has been working harder than ever, too. First and foremost, we have worked to see that the basic guidance on reopening safely became requirements rather than mere suggestions, and we continue to work to see that these requirements are followed. MEA has provided professional development and support and will continue to do so. We have supported many who sought unemployment insurance for lost summer jobs and others who have requested accommodations this fall. We have worked to be sure all have a plan to vote and that they do indeed vote. We have worked to identify candidates who are friends of public education because those who are elected to office will have to deal with enormous challenges and we need them to keep support for our system of public education as a top priority. And we have taken steps toward educating about and addressing issues of racism as we work to engage our educators of color and support them and our students. There is much more work to do, but because of you, the members, your union is strong and will carry on.

The key word in that last sentence is “you”. You have heard it before: YOU are the MEA! And getting through this takes all of us to do our part. Speak up if something is not safe. If it is not addressed promptly, reach out to the MEA tip line on our website at https://maineea.org/ covid19/ . Support one another and watch out for one another. Check out the many supports and services that MEA Benefits Trust has for participants, including the Member Assistance Program at meabt. org . You can also call the FrontLine/WarmLine at (207)221-8196 for support. Show up together and speak up at school board meetings— share what you are doing, make our work visible to others, share your stories—both the tough ones and the good ones! Wear your Red for Ed on Wednesdays and be proud of all that you are managing to do!

At the risk of engaging in “toxic positivity”, let’s be clear—we will get through this! The end may not be in sight yet, but there will be an end. Things will be different, for sure; we know that and we will prepare for that. No matter what headlines we see on November 4th or in the coming months, we need for each and every one of us to stay strong, to stand up, and to speak out—for our colleagues, for our union, and for our students.

In solidarity,

Grace Leavitt, President Maine Education Association 888-622-4418 x 2200