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August 17, 2009
We continually work to achieve our four goals, the pillars of our Association: 1] Excellence in member advocacy. We will collaboratively work with management in resolving problems as they occur, or if possible, before they happen. If we cannot solve problems collaboratively, be assured, we will support you by using the structures of our negotiated agreement. DSEA, with its wealth of resources and expertise, is only a phone call away and we do not hesitate to ask for their assistance in addressing our members’ concerns. 2] Clear, concise, and current communication. We will continue to use technology to improve communication to you, the members. I encourage you to put www.caesarrodneyea.org as a favorite and click in on a regular basis. There is a wealth of information to support you including: by-laws, contract, AR responsibilities, calendar, meeting dates, minutes, negotiation updates, officers, and links to DSEA and NEA. We will also assist AR’s in developing mass distribution folders using Microsoft Outlook so that they can send out information to their school members in a matter of several clicks. 3] Developing positive relationships. Join us in striving to develop positive working relationships with our colleagues, building administrators, district office administrators, parents, and students. Bill Milliken, author of Tough Love and The Last Dropout, states, “It’s relationships, not programs that change children. A great program simply creates the environment for healthy relationships to form between adults and children.” The Caesar Rodney School District has developed or made available excellent programs for teachers to grow professionally. Let’s develop trusting relationships with all of our constituents so we can continue to produce superior students. 4] Meaningful community service and community involvement. I invite you to participate in our two community involvement projects. CREA participates in the State of Delaware sponsored Adopt-a-Highway program. We pick up trash four times a year on a stretch of Westville Road between Almshouse Road and Morgan’s Choice Road. In the Spring, CREA members raise funds to fight MS by walking in the Historic Dover MS Walkathon. We have raised over $1,000 the past 2 years. I encourage you to step up and take part in these activities when we ask for volunteers. Finally, I say thank you to the hundreds of CREA members who made a difference in reducing the proposed salary cuts by sending letters, emails, and postcards to our legislators and by participating in the rallies on Legislative Green. Although we are receiving a 2.5% pay reduction of our state share, the tradeoff is working 5 less days. TOGETHER, WE MADE A DIFFERENCE! I hope you have a great year and choose to become involved in helping the CREA grow in a positive direction. Tom Keyser President, CREA
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Welcome
to a new school year from your union, the Caesar Rodney Education
Association. The CREA is an organization of over 600 dedicated
teachers, specialists, and paraprofessionals who provide a superior
education to the students of the Caesar Rodney School District. We
are affiliated with the Delaware State Education Association (DSEA)
and the National Education Association (NEA) who provide us with
technical support and assistance. We strive to carryout the purpose
of the Association as stated in our by-laws: “to promote excellence
in education for children, to promote the general welfare and status
of its members, and to advance the cause of education in Delaware.”