Connecticut State Department of Education

Congratulations to all the Leadership Award winning districts! Pictured here are just a few of the recipients! #CABECAPSS2024

Thank you to everyone who made our Special Education Summit a success! The summit on “Belonging” brought together, educators, families, students, as well as national, state?and local leaders to share perspectives on the status of special education in Connecticut. From an inspiring student panel to expert perspectives, the event was a powerful reminder of our commitment to ensuring the 92,000 students with disabilities in Connecticut are not just accommodated but celebrated. Special thanks to Governor Ned Lamont, Paraeducator of the Year Keysha Evans, our student panelists, our exceptional moderator Catherine Shen, and national and state experts. Together, we’re building a Universe of Opportunity for ALL students in our state!?

It was a wonderful day at Norwich Free Academy where social studies teacher Jessica Chapman was surprised to learn she is the 2024 CT recipient of the Milken Family Foundation Educator Award!

This evening, the Connecticut State Department of Education and the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council hosted the annual Teacher of the Year Award Ceremony to celebrate our 2025 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, Julia Miller, our district Teachers of the Year, and 2025 Ann Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Keysha Evans.?These remarkable educators exemplify the heart, resilience, and commitment found in classrooms across Connecticut. Congratulations to all of these deserving educators!?

?? Parents, Families & Caregivers: Join us Nov. 7 for Part 3 of our Virtual House Calls: Protecting Our Youth: A Community Approach to Suicide Prevention. Join experts from DCF & DMHAS to learn about warning signs, how to talk about feelings, and where to find support.

?? The CT FAFSA Challenge is back for 2024-25, with 51 high schools working to boost financial aid access! CT is outpacing the nation in #FAFSAChallenge rates, helping students unlock college opportunities. For more info, vist: https://lnkd.in/eHimxDZA

On Wednesday, I was able to facilitate a professional learning for school teams on - Aligning for Impact: Systems & Strategies for Positive School Climate. It was energizing and humbling being in space with committed educators whom work so hard each day creating spaces that welcome, affirm, and include our students and families.

We couldn’t be more proud of Sreenidi Bala, our incredible student member on the State Board of Education! Today, Gov. Ned Lamont, joined by Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker, SBE Vice Chair Erin Benham, presented Sreenidi with a proclamation declaring Oct. 29 as “Sreenidi Bala Day” in Connecticut! This honor celebrates her exceptional work in advocating for accessible STEM education, her commitment to social justice, and for being recognized nationally by First Lady Jill Biden as one of 10 young women leading change in their communities. Congratulations, Sreenidi, on this well-deserved recognition! You not only inspire your peers but also set an example for us all. Keep shining! #SreenidiBalaDay #GirlsLeadingChange

Today’s Career & Technical Education (CTE) State Summit, brought together over 200 CTE educators, administrators, school counselors, and industry leaders at Central Connecticut State University. With powerful insights from Governor Ned Lamont, Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker, Chief Workforce Officer Kelli-Marie Vallieres, William Barber from General Dynamics Electric Boat, CCSU President Zulma Toro, and June Archer, the event highlighted our commitment to creating real-world learning experiences that prepare all learners for post-secondary success and showcased how CTE opens #AUniverseOfOpportunities for students to thrive in Connecticut's workforce!