With 408 delegates in attendance, CEA’s 177th Representative Assembly—the association’s largest governing body—convened tonight at the Mohegan Sun Expo Center for the first of two days of discussion, debate, and decision-making on new business items, CEA’s 2025-2026 budget, and proposed changes to its by-laws and constitution.
“We’re here to do the work of moving our organization forward,” said CEA President Kate Dias, “and I’m so proud when we come together in this space to give our members the best union to back them up at every opportunity. We should walk away from this assembly feeling uplifted, inspired, accomplished, and encouraged that we have done this important work.”
Declared elected as ethnic minority director alternate, ethnic minority director, and NEA director alternate were Mia Dimbo, Ashley Beal, and Kim Knapp.
Elections began on opening night, and declared re-elected in uncontested races were Stephanie Wanzer, CEA treasurer; Ashley Beal, ethnic minority director; Mia Dimbo, ethnic minority director alternate; and Kim Knapp, NEA director alternate. Elections for CEA secretary will take place when the CEA RA resumes on Saturday.
Causes worth fighting for
Noting that this year’s CEA RA coincides with the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act—the federal law that ensures children with disabilities have access to a free and appropriate public education—Dias also called for renewed protections against threats to public schools.
“Like you, I’ve been concerned about what’s happening at the federal level,” said guest speaker and NEA Executive Committee member Shannon McCann. “From immigration raids to DOGE firings, the human impact—the impact on our colleagues, students, and communities—is very real. But it’s not radical for students to be safe, or for schools to be fully funded, or for children to receive healthy meals, or for educators to have a fully funded retirement.”
NEA’s Shannon McCann applauded CEA’s strength as a national leader.
McCann applauded CEA for its long record of victories for educators and students, including the recent and historic repeal of WEP/GPO, restoring Social Security benefits for educators, and codifying play-based learning into state legislation.
“The national WEP/GPO win did not happen by accident but because CEA leaders and members chose to stand up and fight for the dignified retirement that educators deserve,” she said. “I’ve met CEA-Retired members who’ve received payments ten times greater than what they expected. And for our youngest learners now benefiting from play-based learning in their classrooms, many states have fought for that, but CEA won. You are top-of-class.”
McCann thanked members for serving students and colleagues not only in their classrooms but also in their communities, at May Day rallies, Hands-Off rallies, school budget rallies, and other movements.
“Our students are seeing their teachers stand up and take collective action,” she said. “They are seeing what bravery and resilience look like.”
Together we rise
Collective strength in the face of adversity was the theme of CEA Executive Director Todd Jaeck’s address at the 2025 CEA RA.
CEA Executive Director Todd Jaeck urged delegates to take the message of collective power back to their communities.
“Today, as we gather at this esteemed assembly, we stand at a pivotal juncture in the history of our democracy,” he said. “When the founders of this great nation sought to build a system of governance, they understood one fundamental truth: tyranny is easy for those in power, but true democracy is a daunting task that requires vigilance, courage, and unity from the people.”
While our democracy has often been tested, he noted, “Today we find ourselves navigating one of the most serious constitutional crises in our nation’s history as we grapple with the implications of Project 2025 and the rapidly unfolding agenda of the current national administration.” That agenda, he pointed out, has included massive layoffs, notably at the Department of Education, along with an executive order that threatens to silence critical discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion, and attempts to starve public schools of essential resources and divert taxpayer dollars into the hands of private institutions.
“We must stand together to challenge these unjust actions, reject censorship of our curriculum, and stand firm in our fight to protect the safety and well-being of every student,” said Jaeck. “We refuse to accept a reality where our students are forced to hide their identities, where they are told that their voices don’t matter. CEA has already taken bold steps to challenge these actions, and it is imperative that we continue to mobilize, organize, and advocate for our students and our profession. As educators, we understand that public education is not merely a means to impart knowledge; it is the cornerstone of democracy. It nurtures critical thinkers, fosters civic engagement, and cultivates the next generation of leaders who will shape our future.”
This year’s RA drew more than 400 delegates.
He added, “We must raise our voices not just in opposition but in the affirmation of our values and our vision for a just and equitable society. When you leave this assembly tomorrow, I urge every one of you to take action. Engage with your communities, collaborate with parents and fellow educators, and advocate for policies that uplift and empower your students. Let us not only reclaim the promise of public education but also the promise of our democracy.”
Recognizing excellence
A special tribute was paid to late CEA-Retired Secretary Patricia Jordan, remembered for her warmth, spunk, tireless effort to repeal WEP/GPO, and push to establish the Connecticut Education Foundation’s Children’s Fund. Describing Jordan as “a labor juggernaut and a CEA institution,” Avon Education Association President Jon Moss led the assembly in a lighthearted sing-along in her honor.
The evening also included an awards ceremony recognizing members for excellence in education, advocacy, and communications.
- Susan B. Anthony–Prudence Crandall Equality Award: Michelle Scatamacchia, Stratford
- Harvey Milk–Sylvia Rivera Award for Challenging Discrimination Related to Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation: Elizabeth Young, Hamden
- Helen Keller–Anne Sullivan Memorial Award: Michelle Castellano, Region 10
- CEA Award for Leadership in Hispanic Educational and Community Relationships: Jessica Chapman, Norwich Free Academy
- CEA Humanitarian Award for Leadership in Recent Immigrant Educational and Community Relationships: Colleen Rodrigues, Fairfield
- CEA Presidential Award–Henry Barnard Memorial Award: Katherine Mills, South Windsor
- CEA John McCormack Award for Teaching Excellence: Jennifer Rodriguez, Newington
- Clifford Silvers Award: Allison Kane, Norwich; NEA-Danbury leaders and members
- Above and Beyond the Call of Duty (ABCD) Award: Rebecca Hasiotis, Bridgeport; Carla Toney, Newington
- CEA Salutes Award: Lillian Perone, Greenwich
- CEA Local Association Newsletter Awards: Mary Almeida, Enfield Teachers’ Association (Best Overall); Christine Distel, Greenwich Education Association (Gold Award); Christa Cote, Newington Teachers’ Association (Silver Award); Carrie Frederick, Shelton Education Association (Bronze Award); Cathy Magold, FEA Newsletter, Farmington Education Association (Best New Entry)
- CEA Local Association Website Awards: Jessica Punchatz, Greenwich Education Association (Best Overall); Chelsea Gordon, Manchester Education Association (Gold); Carolanne Vining, East Hampton Education Association (Silver); Jason Pantages, South Windsor Education Association (Bronze)
