In a special year-in-review episode of CEA’s podcast, Two T’s in a Pod, CEA President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn DeLancey reflect on the highs, challenges, and hard-earned lessons of 2025—and look ahead to a packed calendar of opportunities for educators in the year to come.
Their conversation highlights the power of member engagement across the state, from record-breaking attendance at conferences and events to growing participation in leadership roles and advocacy at the local, state, and national levels. Dias and DeLancey celebrate the many ways educators showed up for one another this year, whether by amplifying positive stories at board of education meetings, supporting colleagues through union action, or stepping up to run for public office. (In fact, 57 CEA members won local elections, strengthening educators’ voices in the rooms where decisions are made.)
The episode also shines a spotlight on the work of the Connecticut Education Foundation, including a remarkable holiday giving effort that brought joy to more than eight hundred students and families across the state. These moments of connection and generosity, the CEA leaders note, are a powerful counterbalance to the challenges educators continue to face.
Looking ahead, listeners will get a clear preview of what’s coming in 2026: CountyPalooza, CEA’s Breakfast with Legislators, Read Across Connecticut, the Early Career Educator Conference, Lobby Day, the CEA Representative Assembly, and national opportunities through NEA. Dias and DeLancey outline how members can participate—whether you’re ready to lead, advocate, learn, or simply show up in solidarity.
This episode is both a reminder of what educators have accomplished together and an invitation to get involved in the work ahead. If you’re looking for inspiration, perspective, and a roadmap for the year to come, this is a must-listen.
Listen to the episode below or wherever you get your podcasts.
