Wearing black and carrying signs that read, “Help us help our students,” “Respect teachers,” and “Bridgeport students deserve more,” educators, parents and community members rallied outside Bridgeport City Hall yesterday, calling for the superintendent and members of the Board of Education to address the crisis facing the city’s public schools.
“Back-to-school has been a nightmare,” said Bridgeport Education Association President Jeff Morrissey, citing a wide range of problems that include a shortage of certified teachers, a lack of books and working computers, chaotic and inconsistent schedules, and ineffective curriculum introduced without teacher input or training. More than 500 Bridgeport teachers shared their concerns at a meeting last week, and their union is amplifying their demand for action.
The rally received wide media coverage, including the following:
NBC Connecticut: Bridgeport Teachers Raise Concerns About Start of School Year
FOX 61: Bridgeport Teachers Rally for Change, Yet Again
CT Post: Bridgeport Teachers Admonish Administration They Say Allowed School Year to Start in Chaos
CT News Junkie: Bridgeport Educators Rally for More Support
CT Examiner: Teachers Union Rallies for Funding, Better Leadership in Bridgeport
“It’s disheartening to see the chaos caused by leadership that fails to value the voices of teachers,” said CEA President Kate Dias. “When superintendents disrespect educators, it directly impacts our ability to create a stable, supportive environment for our students. Teachers are ready to collaborate and lead, but we need a commitment from district leadership that respects our profession and prioritizes the well-being of our students.”
Watch a video of her full remarks here.
Bridgeport teacher Mia Dimbo said publicizing the challenges of working in one of the largest and most underserved districts in the state is crucial so that community members and policymakers understand the scope of the crisis and put pressure on the district’s decision-makers to find solutions.
“We have classrooms where technology is outdated or nonexistent, leaving our students without essential tools for learning in a digital age,” said Dimbo. “Class sizes are ballooning beyond compliance limits, the needs of multilingual learners, special education students, children in our youngest grades, and in fact all of the students in our care are not being met. These are the daily realities that hinder our ability to do what we do best: educate and support our students. This rally is sending a clear and urgent message to the administration that our dedicated, hard-working teachers need and deserve support to provide our students with a quality education.”
Four Bridgeport Board of Education members have shown their support for educators, including former Bridgeport educator Robert Traber, who spoke at the rally.
“I have stood where teachers are today and know what you are going through,” he said. “I stand here now as a policymaker telling you that I support you. I respect you. I am committed to advocating for changes that address your issues and acknowledge the essential role you play in shaping the future of our community. Thank you for all you do, and let’s continue to stand strong and push for the changes that will benefit both our students and our teachers.”
A number of other CEA-Retired members lent their voices to the rally as well. Joseph Vincenzi, who took part in the historic Bridgeport Teachers Strike of 1978, recalls, “We were asked to go back to work without a contract and without pay. I was one of 300 educators jailed for 14 days in an old National Guard barracks with a 40-foot barbed-wire fence. I’m here today with Bridgeport teachers because I’m still passionate about education, and we have to be unified in support of our teachers.”
“We stand together as advocates for the changes our schools need,” added Morrissey.” and we will continue to advocate with resolve and determination to do what’s right for our students and our profession.”
