The school year can be stressful, which is why when teachers get a chance to unwind, as they did at a recent CEA Teacher Appreciation Yard Goats Game, they take full advantage of the opportunity.
The baseball game at Dunkin’ Park in Hartford provided teachers and their families with access to an all-you-can-eat buffet, an indoor suite, and great seats to see the game.
CEA President Kate Dias and newly appointed Executive Director Todd Jaeck lead off the evening by throwing out the first pitches.
“Tonight is a thank you, as well as an opportunity to get together and just relax,” said Dias. “I’m always hopeful that teachers feel positive about their association and good about the work they’re doing.”
Dias said the event is a chance for CEA to extend gratitude to educators and highlight the time and energy they dedicate to their communities.
“Any time you can bring a group of teachers together to socialize really increases member engagement,” said Jaeck. “In a job as stressful as teaching, we really want to emphasize the value of being part of a community of educators.”
This sentiment was also shared by Joslyn DeLancey, CEA vice president, who said that these communal events allow teachers to stay connected.
“Our teachers work really hard all year long for their students,” said DeLancey. “So having an event like this gives them an opportunity, not only to network and hang out with other people who care about all the same things they do, but also to have a fun night.”
This sense of community was echoed by all of the teachers and their families who came together through the event.
Christine Pizzano, a Shelton teacher, said that the event was a great opportunity to see and meet other educators in the field.
“It’s a nice event to come out to and have some fun,” said Pizzano. “We don’t normally get to see other teachers like this because we’re kind of stuck in our little bubbles at each of our different schools.”
Karen DiMenna, CEA-Retired treasurer, said that the event serves to connect the entire organization in a social setting.
“Many of us just got back from Philadelphia for the National Education Association’s Representative Assembly and the business that went on there,” said DiMenna. “Now we’re having a little fun.”
Katherine and Caitlin Skarzynsai are a mother and daughter who serve as educators in Manchester and Bloomfield respectively. They said that the event made them “feel recognized” for their work in their respective communities, and for their involvement with the CEA.
Find out about upcoming teacher appreciation games with the Red Sox, Yankees, and more.
