“During her time as interim commissioner, we have found Charlene to be passionate, understanding, and welcoming of input from all education stakeholders, and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with her as she takes the helm of the State Department of Education and tackles the unprecedented challenges facing public education,” said CEA President Kate Dias. “As a former educator herself, Charlene understands the needs of our students. She is particularly concerned about students’ social emotional learning and well-being, especially in light of the trauma caused by the pandemic and other outside influences that weave their way into our children’s lives and classrooms. She respects educators as the professionals that they are, seeking teachers’ voices in efforts to improve public schools, and she is a champion of a racially and socially just and equitable education system that ensures all students have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of where they live.”
Connecticut Education Association
Advocating For Students and Teachers
