On October 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education announced major changes to
the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. If you are a full-time CUSD educator and have federal student loans, these changes may be very beneficial to you, but additional action may be needed. We encourage all members to review this flyer to find out more about this opportunity.
Child Tax Credit Sign Up Deadline is November 15
Join us in supporting Common Sense’s Campaign for America’s Children by promoting Code for America’s simplified Non-Filer portal for the Child Tax Credit. Thanks to the passage of the American Rescue Plan, the maximum child tax credit has increased from to $2,000 per child to $3,600 ($300/month) for kids under 6 and $3,000 ($250/month) for kids 6-17, and families with the lowest incomes or no income at all are eligible for the full value of the credit.
If families filed taxes in 2019 or 2020, or used the Non-Filer tool last year to receive a stimulus check, they are already signed up to receive this increased credit. But families who did not do one of those things must sign up for monthly Child Tax Credit payments by Monday, November 15. Please share this information for families! For more information, visit the White House’s Child Tax Credit sign up website.
American Education Week is November 15-19
Join NEA, AEA, and CEA in celebrating public education and honoring the individuals working to ensure that every student receives a quality education! American Education Week is November 15-19, and each day of the week has its own theme. This week is intended to honor the team of people who work in our nation’s public schools … everyone from the bus driver and classroom teacher to the cafeteria worker and administrative staff, plus countless others. This week’s themed days are:
- Monday, November 15: Kick Off Day
- Tuesday, November 16: Family Day
- Wednesday, November 17: Education Support Professionals Day
- Thursday, November 18: Educator for a Day
- Friday, November 19: Substitute Educator Day
Learn more about how you can lead the celebration of American Education Week at your school by visiting www.nea.org/aew and checking NEA’s AEW resources.
CEA Special Election Results
Our special election runoff for Corresponding Secretary has now concluded … thank you to everyone who voted and especially to our two candidates. We are pleased to announce that Caroline Hall has been elected to serve as CEA Corresponding Secretary for the final year of a 2-year term. Full election results can be found on our website.
CEA Supports Chandler Non-Discrimination Ordinance
CEA recently released a statement in support of the non-discrimination ordinance proposed to the City of Chandler that would be fully-inclusive and include sexual orientation and gender identity. Read our full statement here, and read more from the Chandler Chamber of Commerce about how to support making Chandler an inclusive community.
CUSD Equity Symposium on June 1-2
CEA is proud to be a sponsor of the 2021 CUSD Equity Symposium! We encourage all of our members (and potential members) to register for this fantastic event being held virtually on June 1-2. Mark your calendars now, and stay tuned for more details!
Protect Invest in Ed Call on May 1
Please join us this Saturday, May 1 at 9:00 am to pledge our commitment to #ProtectInvestInEd … because now more than ever we must protect Prop 208 and protect public education! We will be updated on what is happening, enjoy socializing together, and be joined by two awesome leaders: Marisol Garcia, Vice President of the Arizona Education Association, and Mitzi Epstein, State House Representative for Legislative District 18. You won’t want to miss this!
To join our webinar, use this Zoom link with a password of 542445, or call (253) 215-8782 and use webinar ID 916 2259 2402 and password of 542445.
The MAD Challenge is Underway!
What’s the MAD Challenge? It’s AEA’s “Member A Day” challenge to encourage local recruiting efforts! With a goal of one new member per day from March 1 through May 31 in Region B, CEA’s share of that goal is 13 new members by May 31. Can you help us reach that goal? CEA members who recruit new members between now and May 31 will receive a $10 surprise gift card, as well as be entered into drawings for additional prizes … and if CEA recruits more members than other locals in our region, we can receive even more incentives! Our current spring membership incentive also makes it easier to recruit than ever, since members can join now and not start paying dues until the fall (some full membership privileges such as voting rights are not available to those who join under this promotion). Feel free to use this spring membership form for those who are interested in joining during this membership drive!
California Casualty “Quote Fest” on April 14
California Casualty is a great auto/home/renters insurance option for CEA members! Through AEA, they have great rates in our area and solid customer service reviews. Our local rep, Brandon Watson, is hosting “Quote Fest” on Wednesday, April 14, and we encourage all members to RSVP for one of his quick Zooms at 4:00pm, 4:30pm, or 5:00pm to receive on-the-spot auto insurance rate comparisons. Attendees will receive live quotes and a $25 gift card for checking the rates, and two lucky participants will also win a gift card to San Tan Brewery or Salad and Go!
CEA Election Now Underway
Our online election for AEA Delegate Assembly and NEA Representative Assembly delegates is now underway. The deadline to cast your ballot is Tuesday, March 9 at 5:00 pm. For full details on how to vote, candidate statements, and more information, visit our election page at chandlerea.org/election.