Classroom to Capitol: Candidates Talk Education Issues with Teachers

CEA County Forums are taking place across the state this October and November. Educators who have already attended their County Forums have appreciated the opportunity to hear the latest from CEA as well as connect with colleagues from other schools and districts.

At the Hartford County Forum earlier this week at Parkville Market in Hartford, teachers had a chance to hear from legislators and candidates running for State House and Senate who discussed their positions on education issues.

CEA President Kate Dias told them that CEA members are ready to take action during the 2025 legislative session to move education priorities forward.

“We look forward to having conversations about educator salary and addressing the teacher shortage,” she said. “We have strong concerns about the stability and future of our profession if we don’t invest in it. Burnout and stress are top issues for teachers right now.”

Teachers shared concerns with legislators and candidates about special education funding, the contractor selection process for school building projects, how to build support for our public schools, and more.

“If we really care about advancing education issues, talk to your coworkers and family members about voting for education-friendly candidates,” Granby Education Association President KC Petruzzi told fellow teachers. “We need to make sure we have friends in the room where it happens.”

Find out more about the candidates running in your district and see how they scored on CEA’s Legislative Report Card.

CEA Political Engagement Coordinator Gus Melita shared that, for any educators interested in getting involved this election season, CEA is holding a weekly virtual phone bank and there are also door knocking opportunities coming up.

“I’m so grateful that we had candidates who were able to come and not only hear some of the issues that we are experiencing in the classroom, but share with us their take on what they can do at the state level to support teachers and public education,” said Avon Education Association President Jon Moss. “It was a great dialogue, and I look forward to continued dialogue in the months to come.”

There are four more CEA County Forums happening this fall. You can attend the forum in the county where you live or work.

The Litchfield County Forum will provide an update on school climate legislation while the New Haven County Forum will provide an opportunity to learn about changes to teacher evaluation and hear a presentation on navigating challenging student behavior. At the forums for Middlesex and New London Counties hear about the newest discounts and deals from our CEA Member Benefits partners that can save you money.