Editor's Note

Editorial Staff

Managing Editor Rob Walker Editor Giovanna Bechard Layout Design Shawn Berry

Leadership

President Grace Leavitt Vice President Jesse Hargrove Treasurer Beth French

NEA Director

Rebecca Cole

Board of Directors

District A Robert "Bo" Zabierek District B Suzen Polk-Hoffses District C N/A District D Cedena McAvoy District E Ken Williams District F Janice Murphy District G Nancy Mitchell District H Dennis Boyd District I N/A District J Amy O'Brien-Brown District K Tom Walsh District L Rebecca Manchester District M Donna Longley District O Lisa Leduc District P Dina Goodwin Disrtict R Gary McGrane District ESP Gerry French Student MEA N/A

Maine Educator (ISSN #1069-1235) is published by:

Maine Education Association

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For advertising rates and information please contact: Shawn Berry 35 Community Dr., Augusta, ME 04330 207-622-4418 ext. 2206 EDITOR'S NOTE - SEPTEMBER 2020

The "Right" Choice

At this point, when I sit down to write these the benefits of membership-you can find that guide pieces I typically have so many wonderful starting on page 16. Additionally, this back to school things to say. So much excitement coming issue contains information to best support students off a great summer. So much wonder and hope for experiencing stress (pg. 8), cumulative salary a new school year for my kids. So much positivity. information for each district (pg. 10), how to address This time, I have a whole lot of anxiety. There are bias in your schools (pg. 12) and more. far too many questions with no answers. There’s too much at stake. We’ve had countless conversations Over the course of the end of the strangest school in our home, as you all have, about school, work, year and over the summer MEA worked to provide masks, safety, life, death and risk, what’s safe, what’s the most up-to-date information through regular not.... the list could go on and on. communications, webinars, virtual meetings and Never did I think, as a parent, I'd be in a position to next. The MEA will always have your back, that’s the consider the question: “If I send my kids to school, benefit of membership-and remember if you need could they get sick, die or make us sick or kill us?” anything contact us, that’s why we’re here. That sinking in is horrifying. It’s a reality though that keeps me up at night. What’s the “right” choice here. I’ve come to determine the only right choice is the choice we will make. Whatever we choose to do in terms of school is what we believe is right for us and our children. This isn’t the time to judge what is right or wrong because only you can know what’s right for you. Only you know what your personal situation is and how to navigate your life in the middle of a pandemic.

There are a few things I do know. I've never been prouder to work at the Maine Education Association as I have been in the last few months. The value of membership has never been more apparent than now as everyone at MEA has worked hard to ensure our members are protected, safe and supported. There are no easy decisions in all of this, only more hard work to do the best we can with what we’ve got.

It's the making lemonade out of lemons approach I took to summer. Normally, I take the #bestsummerever approach, excited about all the anticipated fun. Instead, like everyone else, plans were cancelled, and milestones celebrated in the best way possible. Still, I find myself feeling fortunate every single day, despite the anxiety. I have a job. We are healthy. Kids are resilient. We will bounce back.

As you navigate whatever lies ahead for you, as always, I encourage you to use this magazine as a resource to help you with your work. Enclosed is a new member guide to help you better understand all more. The same will be true for whatever comes

Thankful for a kid who always makes lemonade out of lemons, choosing to dress up and smile when he has no camp, nothing to do and it's 95 degrees out....

Giovanna Bechard Editor editor@maineea.org Follow us on social media