Educators, lawmakers, and supporters came together to recognize excellence in education at the third annual CEA Celebrates Gala this October. Held at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven with nearly 300 guests in attendance, the evening included dinner, dancing, an awards reception, and a silent auction that raised more than $25,000 for the Connecticut Education Foundation (CEF), CEA’s charitable arm.
“Through the work of CEF we have been able to help students in need, struggling teachers, and future educators,” said CEA Vice President Joslyn DeLancey, who serves as president of CEF. “By being here, you are helping us continue that mission, creating safe, inclusive spaces for all.”
“Tonight is a night to celebrate all we have done and all we will do for public education,” CEA President Kate Dias said. “Everyone in this room has played a part in our success, and we are excited to publicly honor some truly exceptional individuals.”
FOX61 meteorologist Matt Scott, who spoke about his mother’s career as a teacher, served as the emcee and introduced this year’s Excellence in Education honorees.
State Senator Julie Kushner and Attorney General William Tong.
Senator Julie Kushner, a strong advocate for public education throughout her time as a lawmaker, has been a powerful voice for educators, students, and families, working tirelessly to protect teachers’ rights and ensure supportive, well-resourced learning environments in every school.
Attorney General William Tong understands that justice in the classroom is just as important as justice in the courtroom—and that access to quality public education is a cornerstone of a fair and democratic society. His leadership has helped ensure Connecticut remains a place where educators are respected, students are protected, and public education is valued as a public good.
At the gala, Tong gave a moving speech about the kindness of his kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Brainy, who taught at West Hartford’s Whiting Lane Elementary School.
“I don’t think she realized what her impact was on a kid like me,” he recalled. “Thanks to her, as a first-generation American child I wasn’t just surviving school but thriving. I am so proud of Connecticut teachers just like her who work day in and day out to develop and nurture our state’s future citizens.”
CEA President Kate Dias (far right) and Vice President Joslyn DeLancey (far left) celebrate principal Paul Guzzo, early career educator Ashley Beal, CEA-Retired member William Myers, and State Senator Julie Kushner.
Early Career Educator Ashley Beal, a sixth grade teacher at Shepherd Glen Elementary School in Hamden and recipient of the Early Career Teacher of Color Scholarship Award from the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, has been active in her union from the start. Understanding the importance of teacher voice in bringing about positive change for Connecticut’s public schools, she has testified before legislators on a number of topics. Now in her second term on CEA’s Board of Directors, she serves in the capacity of ethnic minority director and has been actively involved in CEA’s Racial and Ethnic Diversity Affairs Commission (REDAC).
Principal Paul Guzzo is known for his accessibility, especially to the Bloomfield Education Association. Understanding that the best outcomes arise from a team approach, he works with teachers and students at Bloomfield’s Metacomet Elementary School to ensure everyone in his school community gets what they need. Guzzo has been described as a passionate advocate for teachers and students who is always willing to go above and beyond.
CEA-Retired Member William Myers, a retired teacher from South Windsor, has dedicated much of his time as a union member and leader to advocating for strong teacher retirement benefits and educating his colleagues on the issues. He served on the CEA Retirement Commission and Teachers Retirement Board and is currently vice chair of the Treasurer’s Investment Advisory Committee. As an active teacher, Myers frequently testified at the State Capitol and has continued to stay active in that space, lobbying for fair financial compensation and retirement benefits for teachers.
“When I became a teacher, I connected with all these other educators in my school,” Myers told guests at the gala, “and joining CEA connected me with union members from the entire state. I got older and retired, but I’m still making connections through CEA-Retired and the advocacy work we do. It’s all those connections that have led us to be here tonight, and I hope you get to connect with someone new here.”
Gala sponsorship and advertising support were provided by Dalio Education (Title Sponsor), VRSim (Platinum Sponsor), Bloomfield Board of Education, Bloomfield Education Association, Bridgeport Education Association, CEA Aspiring Educators, CEA’s Management Team, CEA Retired, Cooperative Educational Services Education Association, Hamden Education Association, Hamden Public Schools, and NEA-Danbury (Gold Apple Teacher Sponsors); CBIA Foundation, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC, and Marketing Graphics (Silver Sponsors); ACES Education Association, Avon Education Association, Darien Education Association, New Canaan Education Association, SEIU 1199NE, Shelton Education Association, Stratford Education Association, and Wallingford Education Association (Silver Apple Teacher Sponsors); Miranda Creative (Bronze Sponsor), Bayard Printing Group and Barker Specialty (in-kind Sponsors); and generous donations from the CEA Board of Directors and staff.
