NEWS RELEASES

New Survey Shows Unpaid Student Teaching Leading to Declines in Teacher Prep Enrollment, Educator Diversity

“I lived in my car the entire time and nobody knew. I needed to graduate with this degree to be safe and have a shot at a better future.” That’s…

Connecticut Education Foundation’s Holiday Bear Project Returns to Brighten the Holidays for Local Students in Need

CEF invites individuals and groups to sponsor a child or make a donation; sponsorships are accepted throughout the month of November.

State Department of Education Abdicates Responsibility Jeopardizes Student Safety and Learning

The education community in Stamford and across Connecticut is alarmed and deeply disappointed by the State Department of Education’s (SDE) ruling dismissing and declining to fully investigate serious complaints against the Stamford school superintendent.

Statement from CEA President Kate Dias on Court Orders Protecting School Funding

These two court victories defending critical funding for school mental health programs and comprehensive sexual health education are wins for every child’s right to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe, supportive environment.

Educators and Advocates to be Honored at Connecticut Education Association’s 177th Anniversary Gala

CEA will celebrate 177 years of advocating for public education at its anniversary gala on Friday, October 24, 2025, at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven.

Back-to-School Reveals Persistent Issues in Classrooms

Teachers and students are back in the classroom beginning a new school year, and a new CEA Back-to-School survey reveals persistent and worsening challenges plaguing educators, students, and public education that can’t be ignored.

Statement from CEA President Kate Dias on the 2025 Legislative Session

While this legislative session made progress on student-centered priorities including universal preschool, resources for special education services, and school funding, CEA is deeply disappointed that critical bills to support and protect educators were blocked without a vote.

Newington Educator Receives Prestigious CEA Award for Teaching Excellence

Newington teacher Jennifer Rodriguez was presented with the Connecticut Education Association’s highest teaching award, the John McCormack Award for Teaching Excellence. The first-grade teacher at Anna Reynolds Elementary School received the award before 400 of her colleagues at the 177th annual CEA Representative Assembly, held at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center this past weekend.

Statement from CEA President Kate Dias on Autism Awareness Day at the State Capitol

Today and every day, teachers and support staff work with students who have a wide variety of needs, ensuring caring, nurturing, and welcoming environments where all students are safe, accepted, and valued and can reach their potential.

Statement from CEA President Kate Dias on Attorney General Tong’s Lawsuit Against Unlawful Actions to Withhold Federal Education Funding

The education community applauds Attorney General William Tong for taking action to protect Connecticut from the federal government’s efforts to withhold more than $320 million in critical education funding.

Statement from CEA President Kate Dias on Trump Administration Cutting Half of the U.S. Department of Education Employees

The decision by the Trump administration to gut half of the U.S. Department of Education’s workforce is nothing short of a direct attack on America’s students, educators, and the future of public education itself and will have dire effects, especially for our most vulnerable students.

Thousands Across the State Rally in Red for Education for CEA’s Champions for Public Education Day of Action

“Support Our Schools.” That was the unified message from hundreds of educators, students, parents, lawmakers, and community members across the state who wore red today in a powerful show of solidarity for state and federal funding for public schools.

Statement from CEA President Kate Dias on Governor Lamont’s Plan to Veto Special Education Funding Bill

We are deeply disappointed that Governor Lamont announced he plans to veto $40 million in critical special education funding—funding that our most vulnerable students cannot afford to wait for. This…

Statement from CEA President Kate Dias on Linda McMahon’s Confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Education

We urge Secretary McMahon to fully embrace the gravity of her role and to approach the responsibilities of this critical position with an unwavering dedication to serving all students and strengthening public education.

Teachers and Community Come Together to Inspire Young Readers

The Connecticut Education Foundation’s second annual Read Across Connecticut Blue Back Book Drive collected thousands of books for students in need.