Monday January 13, 2025
Insurance and Wage Increases: A 4% increase will be added to your wages for all hours worked starting January 1, 2025 thanks to the tremendous organizing and bargaining we did last contract round. You can check our grid to see what your increase will be in your contract available here. You will see this increase on the January 24, 2025 Paycheck.
BIPOC Affinity: Come join other members of color as we celebrate with an evening of bowling, food and community. We will gather on Wednesday, January 22nd from 4:30-6:30 at Saxon Lanes(61 Little Canada Rd W, St Paul, MN 55117). Please RSVP at this link so we can provide accurate numbers for food and bowling lanes. The RSVP will be closed Friday, January 17.
All-Union Democracy Defense Training, 2/8 10-3pm at SPFE: In unsettling times it’s up to us to care for each other. We know that many in our community are worried for themselves and their friends and families. We also know that we must begin to rebuild relationships in our labor family, if the labor movement is going to survive. We’ll have training and practical skills on protecting others and how to have difficult conversations with colleagues and community. Lunch will be provided, RSVP here by 2/6.
COPE Drive: We have a lot of wins that we need to protect this year at the legislature and in bargaining. We need to bring out COPE participation to 50% of members. Please make sure to collect your current building list of COPE contributors and new water bottle stickers for COPE contributors at the 1/27 member meeting. Folks can contribute to COPE here.
ESP Conference in Kentucky. Are you an ESP looking to get more involved in our union? Maybe you’ve heard about great PD for ESPs and would like to learn more? Fill out this interest form by Jan. 17. Preference will be given to first time applicants.
Are you interested in attending any of our local or national conferences this year? Maybe you’ve been thinking about getting more involved and would like to run for Executive Board or one of our officer positions. Complete this form to let us know and we’ll get back to you with more info!
A new resolution has been brought forward by a member. This resolution will be discussed and potentially brought to a vote at our January 27th member meeting. You can read the full resolution here.
Rally to Fund Our Future. EdMN along with “We Are MN”. February 18, 3:30 at Capitol Rotunda. Register here.
EL PIC met on December 12th. See the notes of the meeting here. The next meeting will take place on February 20th via Zoom.
General Education PIC met January 9th. See the notes here.
History Day Help. Are you a social studies teacher or a parent of a SPPS student working on History Day? The East Side Freedom Library has free help sessions every Saturday. Learn more here.
Dates and opportunities to note from Education MN:
FREE seminars:
St. Paul ESP – When can I afford to retire? 2025 St. Paul ESP – When can I afford to retire? Seminar registration link Tues., Jan. 14 (ESP) (For members covered by a PERA pension plan)
6 -7 p.m. Virtual seminar Wed., Feb. 12 (ESP) (For members covered by a PERA pension plan)
6 -7 p.m. Virtual seminar.
St. Paul Teacher virtual seminars in January and February, 2025. Please click on the link below to register for one of the seminars.
FREE seminars: St. Paul Teacher – When can I afford to retire?
Tues., Jan. 21 (Teacher) (For members covered by a SPTRFA pension plan)
6 -7 p.m. Virtual seminar; Tues., Feb. 11 (Teacher) (For members covered by a SPTRFA pension plan)
6 -7 p.m. Virtual seminar
2025 St. Paul Teacher – When can I afford to retire? Seminar registration link
HEAL Together, Public School Strong Training series: Solidarity 2025 is a training series equipping activist educators, school board members, students, parents, and allies to unite against attacks on public education outlined in Project 2025. This training series is part of the Public School Strong campaign, and is designed to empower participants to advocate for students, schools, and communities at local school boards and beyond.
2025 Training Schedule: 90-minute trainings 7:00 – 8:30 pm ET, always on a Wednesday. Attendance at previous sessions is not required in order to join a session.
- Jan 29: Standing Up to Project 2025’s Attacks on Public Education
- Feb 19: RaceAnd Presents: The Attacks On Public Sector Workers
Immigration webinar for members Jan. 14
Since the election, many educators have wondered what the new federal administration will mean for their colleagues, students and families who come from other countries.
Please join us at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14 for a members-only Zoom presentation by attorneys from Education Minnesota and several local immigrant advocacy organizations. The following topics will be covered:
- Rights of immigrant students in schools under current law.
- Immigration actions we might expect in the new administration.
- Proactive steps educators and schools can take now to support students and families.
- Contact information for Minnesota immigration attorneys and advocacy organizations.
- Question and answer time, although we will not be able to provide any individual immigration advice.
Members must register for the session here to receive the Zoom link. If you can’t make the live session, we will also be uploading the recording to our MEA Online platform.
Be sure to check out these PD offerings through EdMN!
All tenured, licensed teachers working in SPPS are invited to apply online for one of six $3,000.00 scholarships offered this year. For more information and to apply, go to https://www.spps.org/sprtischolarships.
1. Scholarship funds may be used for graduate level courses only towards an enrolled program.
2. The recipient must continue to serve in the Saint Paul Public Schools for at least oneyear after the year the scholarship was granted by SPRTI.
3. Completed applications must be submitted no later than January 24, 2025
MISSION POSSIBLE: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence!
Inspired by this theme put forth by THE KING CENTER for MLK Day 2025 (https://thekingcenter.org/king-holiday-2025/), the East Side Freedom Library and ArT @ 967 Payne are thrilled to collaborate and invite our entire community to a celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recognizing his important legacy and irrevocable impact on our society and democracy. Join us on Monday, January 20th between 11am-3pm. You can see the facebook event linked here.
Tell Governor Walz to take action to protect Minnesota immigrant communities
Please take a moment to sign this petition calling on Governor Walz to take urgent action to protect immigrant communities in Minnesota. ACLU and Minnesota Freedom Fund are also urging people to call Governor Walz or send an email using this toolkit. There is a call script and sample email available, and you can complete all three actions in under 5 minutes.