Happy (snowy) New Year!
Upcoming January and February events as well as some noteworthy information are presented in this edition of the newsletter. Previous newsletters can be found here.
PENSION REFORM SESSION: January 10
There are only 200 spots remaining! Register now!
Education Minnesota's Negotiation Specialist Adam Janiak has agreed to host a session centering around Pension Reform. In this 1 1/2 hour session participants will learn some history of the pension, the steps Education Minnesota is putting forth to make legislative improvements as well as entertain questions from members.
Pre-registration is needed to reserve your spot: there is a 300-person limit and Education Minnesota-Edina will also join in the session.
To pre-register for the event, click the button below.
In order to meet everyone's needs, questions will be collected before the event.
UPCOMING EPEA ELECTIONS:
The Eden Prairie Education association will be holding its annual elections on Thursday, February 23. This year's election will include the following positions:
1. Site Representatives:
Cedar Ridge (2 positions),
CMS (3),
Eagle Heights Spanish Immersion (2),
Eden Lake (2),
EPHS (5),
EPO (1),
Forest Hills (2),
Little Eagles (1),
Lower Campus/Tassel/District Wide (1),
Oak Point (2),
Prairie View (2)
2. Delegates for Education Minnesota Rep. Convention:
We have a total of 9 spots to represent all of the EPEA/EPPEA at the Education Minnesota Representative Convention. This is an important spot for the EPEA/EPPEA "voice" to be heard through voting and networking. The nine delegates will have a short Zoom meeting before the convention to learn of the items on the agenda that will come to a vote as well as discuss the positions that will best serve the EPEA/EPPEA. This is one way EPEA can nudge the direction of our larger union and its advocacy.
Those interested in putting their names in for either the Site Representative or Delegate positions should notify EPEA VP Nate Gabel by Tuesday, January 31st.
STAFFING TIMELINES: COMING SOON
For those considering a leave of absence for the 23-24 school year, those leave applications are due to your supervising administrator by February 1, 2023. In addition, those considering retirement at the end of the year should also inform their supervising administrator by February 1.
Staffing timeline dates have not officially been set yet, but the following process is expected:
ROUND 1: - Eligible: internal, continuing contract "tenured" educators
- Purpose: transfer to an open position within the same site/building
- Process: communicate your desire to the site administrator
ROUND 2: - Eligible: internal, continuing contract "tenured" educators
- Purpose: transfer to an open position at another site/building
- Process: 4 -5 question online form (linked form from HR to all educators)
ROUND 3: - Eligible: all educators
- Purpose: apply to remaining open positions at any site
- Process: 4 -5 question online form for internal candidates; full application for external candidates
100th Day Celebration: February 14
Looking ahead, EPEA will have a few events to bring us together, boost our unity, and prepare us for the future. One of our upcoming events occurs in February: "100th Day of School Sweet Celebration." Additional events occur during our EPEA Union Week.
Much sentiment of thanks goes out to Jess Kast (EPHS) and Joanne Peterson (EPHS), who are our new Engagement Coordinators. They are planning all the events for the rest of the year.
There are many occasions everyone can "Be the Union," show unity, strengthen our knowledge, and put ourselves in a good place for negotiations.
As you are navigating e-learning today as well as other mid-year learning challenges, we want to thank you for contributing to the EPEA mission:
To work for the welfare of children, the advancement of education, and the improvement of instructional opportunities for all.
To enable members to speak with a common voice on matters pertaining to the teaching profession.
To work for the improvement of professional and educational standards.
To work for favorable legislation for the improvement of school conditions and community problems relating to schools.
To support and strengthen local, state, and national education associations through participation and to promote understanding of their program needs.
To unify and strengthen the teaching profession and to negotiate and maintain the salaries, retirement, tenure, professional and sick leave, and other working conditions necessary to support teachers as professionals.
Thank you for "Being the Union" through your support of each other, your inquiries to your Site Representatives, and your willingness to add your voice to the conversation. We especially need to pull together for our Preschool colleagues at this time. Continued contract negotiations and community organization is underway. We are stronger together.
In service and solidarity,
Dominic
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