“Now more than ever, it’s important to highlight the strength of our diversity,” says Erin Daly, president of NEA-Danbury, whose culminating celebration of Black History Month included dinner at Gisella’s Ristorante—complete with awards and presentations. Organized by NEA-Danbury’s Racial and Ethnic Diversity Affairs Committee (REDAC), the evening honored not only those who have shaped history but also educators shaping the future.
“At a time when political divisions are stark, celebrating diversity and Black history fosters cross-cultural understanding, helping to bridge gaps and reduce polarization,” Daly says. “I’m so grateful for the continued hard work of our REDAC acknowledging the contributions of diverse educators and community members and providing a platform for them to voice their experiences, concerns, and needs related to cultural diversity. In today’s politically charged environment, actively celebrating Black History Month and supporting DEI initiatives is not just about history—it’s about ensuring a just, equitable, and inclusive future for everyone.”
NEA-Danbury REDAC Chair Luanelly Iglesias said events were planned and organized throughout Black History Month to honor the contributions and sacrifices of African Americans and recognize their role in shaping our communities and our country.
“In addition,” she said, “we asked teachers to nominate ‘champion educators’—racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse colleagues whose leadership, resilience, and participation in their education association has made a transformative impact in their classroom, school, and community as a whole.”
Senator Julie Kushner joins NEA-Danbury REDAC Chair Luanelly Iglesias and President Erin Daly in recognizing teacher Nilda Almonte.
Champion educators
This year’s honorees were English language arts teacher Nilda Almonte and special educator Jamie Pope, who received proclamations recognizing their good work from State Senator Julie Kushner.
Beyond her teaching responsibilities, Almonte has created a multicultural classroom library to encourage reading and the exchange of ideas and experiences and has collaborated with other educators to launch a teachers’ book club focused on multicultural literature. A highly active union member, she has served on her REDAC, participated in the association’s Political Action Committee as well as CEA and NEA Representative Assemblies, testified before the legislature, and done door-to-door voter outreach.
Pope, whom colleagues describe as compassionate, funny, and a role model for her students, is especially skilled at helping students with physical, intellectual, and developmental disabilities manage difficult emotions and achieve their personal goals.
Better together
The evening also included training to improve communication, empathy, morale, performance, and productivity by helping individuals understand how our personalities can shape the way we give and respond to information.
“Educators were highly engaged, actively participating, sharing their experiences, and exchanging insights, and the session sparked meaningful discussions and left teachers feeling motivated to continue exploring and connecting with each other,” Iglesias said.
The presentation, True Colors: How Our Personality Differences Can Become Our Greatest Strength, was led by CEA Teacher Development Specialist Dr. Kate Field.
“We looked at the benefits of this work through a diversity lens, meaning we need people with various perspectives, experiences, and ways of interacting with the world—and we need to understand and work with one other—to move forward as a society,” Field said.
CEA’s Kate Field presents on working effectively as part of a diverse team.
To request a free presentation at your school, contact [email protected].
“I genuinely love organizing these events,” said Iglesias, “because they create a unique space for educators to connect, unwind, and build relationships in a different setting. It’s an opportunity to strengthen bonds, meet new colleagues, and continue growing both professionally and personally. More than just a gathering, these moments foster a sense of joy, belonging, and support, reminding educators that our education association is always there for them and with them.”
Interested in learning more about diversity and leadership in education? Join us at CEA’s Summit on Diversity in New Haven on March 29, free and open to all CEA members.
Do you know a high school senior or college student pursuing a teaching career? To help diversify our profession, the Connecticut Education Foundation offers scholarships to students who are racially or ethnically underrepresented in the field. Applications are now open for CEF’s Racially and Ethnically Diverse Scholarship as as well as other scholarships for aspiring educators.
