Former teacher Dr. Dianna Wentzell was today selected as Connecticut Commissioner of Education.
The next Connecticut commissioner of education is a long-time educator with many years of experience in the classroom and as a school leader. Dr. Dianna Wentzell was today named commissioner after serving as the interim commissioner of the department since January.
Wentzell has over 25 years of experience working in Connecticut public schools in roles including social studies teacher, curriculum director, chief academic officer, and assistant superintendent.
Statement from CEA President Sheila Cohen on Dr. Wentzell’s Selection as Education Commissioner
We welcome the recommendation of Dr. Dianna Wentzell, a person with such depth and experience in public education, and we look forward to the opportunity to work with her in the best interests of children, teachers, and public education.
We are pleased that Governor Malloy has acknowledged the voice of public school teachers regarding their desire that the next commissioner be a public school educator.
Dr. Wentzell recognizes that genuine collaboration among public education stakeholders will make Connecticut’s already strong public education system even stronger. Her willingness to listen—as well as her extensive direct teaching experience in our public schools—makes her a wise choice.
Her wealth of practical knowledge about what works in public education will be invaluable as she works to develop a vision for our public schools. CEA looks forward to communicating our strong support of Dr. Wentzell to the Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee.
CEA has worked with Dr. Wentzell on numerous committees. We have found her to be a dedicated educator and sound collaborator with keen insights gathered on the frontlines of public education. These attributes are a big plus for Connecticut’s schoolchildren.
Watch video of Dr. Wentzell’s remarks today below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enck5kwZwIc?rel=0
I encourage every teacher to communicate with the new Commissioner of Education. Inform her of the realities of classroom life, the effects of Common Core test preparation, and your thoughts on decoupling testing from teacher evaluation. If you don’t inform her, I do not believe anyone will deliver the your message more effectively.