Joy Colon is an educator who serves and gives back to her students, colleagues, union, and community in many ways. In the latest episode of CEA’s podcast, the Greenwich High special education teacher talks with CEA President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn DeLancey about her experience in the classroom, her work as co-chair of the CEA Racial and Ethnic Diversity Affairs Commission, and the many other ways she serves her community including as a member of Trumbull’s Town Council.
“Education is not just a civil right, it’s also a pathway to independence. It’s such a transformative opportunity, and every child deserves access to rigorous, meaningful instruction,” Colon says.
“You’re such a great person to put into spaces, because you will not waste an opportunity, ” Dias tells Colon. “It’s a really powerful reminder that every time we have an opportunity, we want to make sure we say what needs to be said to the people who need to hear it.”
From among the many teachers who were nominated, 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 and honors an educator who excels in the classroom and as a union advocate.
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.
Listen to Colon’s entire conversation with Dias and Delancey below or wherever you get your podcasts.
