CEA’s 178th Representative Assembly—the association’s largest governing body—convened tonight with more than 350 delegates in attendance. The RA includes discussion, debate, and decision-making on new business items, CEA’s 2026-2027 budget, and proposed changes to the by-laws and constitution, as well as elections, speeches from leaders, and opportunities to honor leadership and teaching excellence.
“We represent over 43,000 members across the state of Connecticut, and the decisions we make here are for them. So we carry a big responsibility to get this right, use good judgment, and listen to each other,” CEA President Kate Dias told delegates.
She added, “This important work we do when we are together fills my cup and I hope it fills yours. It’s critical that we celebrate our successes, we work on our challenges, and we do this as a unified family.”
Among the speakers for the evening was NEA Executive Committee Member Bill Farmer, a high school science teacher from Evanston, Illinois.
“I’m honored to be here with you on behalf of the nearly three million members of the National Education Association who believe deeply in the power of public education to transform lives and communities—and your work directly strengthens that mission every single day,” Farmer said.
NEA Executive Committee Member Bill Farmer addressed delegates.
He added, “To every CEA delegate here in this space and the members you are representing back at home—your work matters. It matters to students, to colleagues, to families, and to every corner of your state. Keep doing what you’re doing, no matter how difficult, no matter the obstacle—and no matter who is standing in your way.”
“We live in a time where the challenges facing educators are steeper than ever,” said CEA Executive Director Todd Jaeck. “I am here to tell you that the spirit of CEA has never been more resilient. Let us leave this assembly committed to one another. Let us build locals that are unbreakable. Let us lead with the fierce conviction that our students deserve the best, and so do the people who teach them. Remember: You are CEA. You are the voice of education in Connecticut.”
Elections for NEA Director will take place when the CEA RA resumes on Saturday. Members running for that position are East Hampton teacher Joe Holloway and Cheshire teacher Tanya Kores.
Recognizing leadership and excellence
Delegates also celebrated two accomplished leaders who were recognized with CEA awards. Congresswoman Jahana Hayes received the Thomas P. Mondani Award and Greenwich teacher Joy Colon was honored with the John McCormack Award for Teaching Excellence.
“As a former Waterbury teacher and the 2016 National Teacher of the Year, Jahana brings to her work in Congress a deep, authentic understanding of what students and educators need to thrive and now, that perspective has been more critical than ever,” said Dias.
Hayes thanked CEA for the award adding, “We have to protect public education. We have to do the right thing because we just know that it’s the right thing. I’m so excited by what happens next from CEA. The wins and the successes that you’ve had in Connecticut are just the beginning.”
Greenwich Special Education teacher Joy Colon is the recipient of the John McCormack Award for Teaching Excellence.
Congresswoman Hayes has been a reliable and tireless advocate for students and public schools and has consistently fought to protect education funding that directly supports the programs students rely on and the educators who make those programs possible.
“Whether defending investments in public education or pushing back against proposals that would disproportionately harm our most vulnerable communities, Jahana has ensured that our classrooms are never an afterthought in Washington,” Dias added.
From among the many teachers who were nominated Joy Colon was selected to receive CEA’s highest teaching award, The John McCormack Award for Teaching Excellence, which comes with a $2,000 cash honorarium.
“Joy is a thoughtful, highly skilled professional who has dedicated more than 25 years to supporting students with diverse learning needs,” CEA President Kate Dias said of the Greenwich High special education teacher. “She has a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and co-chairs the CEA Racial and Ethnic Diversity Affairs Commission, facilitating dialogue, supporting professional learning, and advocating for policies that address inequities in access and opportunity.”
“Access to high-quality, equitable education shapes not only individual outcomes but the health of society as a whole,” said Colon. “Students carry their educational experiences into every aspect of their lives and communities. This reality reinforces the urgency of strong public schools. It also reinforces the responsibility educators carry every day. That responsibility continues to guide my practice, leadership, and advocacy.”
Colon’s dedication to her students extends well beyond the classroom. Since 2019, she has served as a Trumbull Town Council member, bringing her voice and an educator’s perspective to community initiatives and policies that support students, families, and public schools. She strongly believes that educators belong at every table where decisions about education are made.
In addition to receiving the cash honorarium, Colon will attend the Salute to Education Gala in Washington, D.C., next spring. She is also CEA’s nominee for the NEA Foundation’s NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence.
