The Connecticut Education Association—the state’s largest teachers’ union, representing nearly 45,000 educators—has a new top administrative leader. The CEA Board of Directors has appointed accomplished education, union, and labor leader Todd Jaeck as the organization’s new executive director.
“We are excited to have Todd join us,” said CEA President Kate Dias. “His vast experience in education, union advocacy, and leadership will serve our members well. As a former teacher, Todd understands firsthand the unique challenges in our classrooms and will use his personal experience as an educator and manager to advocate for public education and the teaching profession.”
Jaeck has decades of experience working with education associations, with a specific focus on staff and leadership development, labor relations, member organizing, and collective bargaining.
Dias added, “Todd is a proven and accomplished manager and strong champion for public schools with a vision for the future that will be a crucial part of our continued success. We are confident that he will handle his new responsibilities well, and we look forward to working together to help the association rise to new heights in the years to come.”
Jaeck said, “CEA is a strong union that for over 175 years has successfully elevated the teaching profession and advocated for changes to improve public education. I am honored to be part of this association and look forward to working with our members and continuing the vital work that supports students and teachers, including addressing the teacher shortage, recruitment, and retention efforts, and ensuring teachers are respected and compensated for the important work they do to provide great public schools where children of all races, backgrounds, and genders have the freedom to learn.”
Jaeck earned a master of arts in teaching from Winthrop University in South Carolina and a B.A. in education from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. His experience and credentials are well-established in education circles across several states. He most recently served as the executive director of the South Carolina Education Association and as membership and labor relations consultant in Ohio. He also taught IT, journalism, and business education in North and South Carolina for nearly a decade.
“I look forward to working with CEA President Kate Dias, Vice President Joslyn DeLancey, the Board of Directors, and our association’s distinguished staff as well as our dedicated teachers across the state to build the collective power needed to improve the lives of our members and students. By joining together, we can make our schools places where every child belongs and can thrive,” said Jaeck.
Jaeck replaces Don Williams, who after nine years at CEA and a long and distinguished political career in the Connecticut legislature, retired in October.
