"As you head off to winter break, we hope you’re able to step away from the day-to-day demands of school and fully embrace a well-earned break."

CEA-Retired members give back in lots of ways, from staying active in the classroom and collecting sock donations for unhoused neighbors to wrapping up gifts for CEF's Holiday Bear Project and decorating a tree to support art education programs.

From T-shirts, coats, and sweatshirts to hats, onesies, umbrellas, travel mugs, and blankets, CEA's swag store has something for everyone. And you can feel good knowing that your purchases support the Connecticut Education Foundation. cea.org/looking-for-...

“Student teaching exploits aspiring educators for the work they do in classrooms—requiring them to work without pay for up to 40 hours a week, for months at a time, all while paying full tuition prices in order to do so,” said CEA Aspiring Educator Program Chair Hannah Spinner.

Educators play a critical role in keeping schools safe, and an upcoming virtual session offers a timely opportunity to learn, ask questions, and be heard. Join the Dept. of Emergency Services and Public Protection for virtual School Safety Office Hours tomorrow at 3:30 p.m.

Meet the CT educators who serve on the NEA Board of Directors and help shape national education policy. On the latest episode of CEA's podcast, they share how they advocate for students, collaborate with union leaders across the country, and take CT’s voice all the way to Capitol Hill.

Information about student loan forgiveness is constantly changing. Read the latest from Cambridge Credit Counseling.

The reorganization of the Department of Education jeopardizes the authority of the federal government to enforce protections in FERPA & PPRA and truly safeguard student privacy and parental rights.

Are you an Alliance District teacher with private student loans? You may qualify for a 3-percentage-point interest rate subsidy when you refinance your existing student loans.

Know an exceptional educator? Nominate them—or yourself—for the CEA John McCormack Award! The winner receives $2,000 and an expenses-paid trip to the NEA Foundation Gala. Apply by Jan. 16, 2026.

On a bright but chilly Saturday in November, CEA Aspiring Educators rolled up their sleeves at two Connecticut middle schools, bringing color, creativity, and appreciation to the students and staff who learn and work there every day.

"Thank you for your commitment, your resilience, and the extraordinary impact you have on your students and colleagues. It is our privilege to represent you and to stand beside you in this work."

“One of the challenges in education is that we have too many mandates that sap the joy out of teaching and learning,” said CEA President Kate Dias. CEA’s Reimagining Education Conference serves as an antidote, focusing on practices that make our classrooms places of joy and belonging.

The way the federal government is funneling education dollars through other agencies will result in less fiduciary oversight and less follow through, CEA President Kate Dias told Brian Shactman on 1080 WTIC this morning.

Danbury has long faced an education crisis with insufficient funding, overcrowding in schools, and a teacher shortage. All that is changing, however, and NEA-Danbury can take credit for a new contract that will keep top talent in the district.

Starbucks @sbworkersunited.org baristas are standing up to corporate greed and Starbucks’ unfair labor practices and demanding the fair contract they deserve. No contract? NO COFFEE!

Educators gathered recently at Elicit Brewing Co. in Manchester for a lively CEA Hartford County Engagement. Teachers in many counties have gathered for social events this fall that blend camaraderie with practical learning.

Listen to the latest episode of CEA's podcast to learn about Lisa Higgins and Michelle Pion's work in Killingly's transition program as well as how certified staff and paras can best work together to help students thrive. #aew2025

Read the full statement from CEA President Kate Dias: bit.ly/3JJMBMB

After years of educator advocacy, the Connecticut legislature passed a bill eliminating the requirement for K-3 teachers to take the hours-long reading exam every two years as a condition of employment.

Starbucks workers are going on a ULP strike tomorrow if Starbucks doesn’t finalize fair contracts and end their union-busting. Baristas are asking everyone NOT TO BUY STARBUCKS anywhere while they strike, tomorrow and for the length of the strike. Pledge your support: www.nocontractnocoffee.org

Fifty-five CEA members won in elections in more than 40 different towns and districts across the state last Tuesday, demonstrating the power of collective action and the growing influence of teacher leadership in local government.

Come to a free webinar and Q&A session this Thursday at 5 p.m. that will offer expert guidance on how to simplify repayment and explore loan forgiveness options.

"The new rules restricting loan forgiveness are unfair and just another attempt to penalize educators and other public servants. We stand together to fight this illegal federal overreach," said CEA President Kate Dias.

"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,” said CEA President Kate Dias.

“What we are seeing and hearing across the state consistently is that the safety of the school environment, the working conditions and the student behavioral challenges have really leapfrogged to be the top concern,” said CEA President Kate Dias.

Do you teach social studies to sixth, seventh, or eighth graders? Encourage them to apply to the National Civics Bee by submitting an up to 750-word essay addressing a community issue, proposing a solution, and incorporating founding principles and civic virtues.

Do you have expertise in an area of teaching that would help others excel? We invite you to submit proposals for CEA’s Early Career Educator Conference, designed for educators in the first seven years of their career.

A blood drive is a simple yet powerful way to make a difference in someone’s life. Donate at the CEA Blood Drive October 29.

"Public schools are under attack," CEA Vice President Joslyn DeLancey told thousands of ralliers in Stamford. An estimated 10,000 people rallied outside the State Capitol Saturday, and thousands more gathered in towns and cities around the state.

Early voting runs today through November 2—or you can vote as usual on Election Day, November 4.

#RecentlyInCT / #RecentEventsInCT: The #NoKIngs rally outside the Judicial District Court in #Stamford, #CT, 10/18/2025 (Part One, with Governor Ned Lamont [2], @ceateachers.bsky.social Vice President Joslyn DeLancey [3], and Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas [4])

Inclusive, humble, selfless, funny but focused, thoughtful, innovative, generous, and a unifier are how staff and students at Rogers Park Middle School in Danbury describe Brian Betesh, a 6th grade social studies teacher who today was named CT's 2026 Teacher of the Year.

CEA has 52 members running for local office this year, and two of them—South Windsor teacher and Enfield Board of Education candidate Kelsey McGuire-Bruce and Coventry teacher and Town Councilor Matthew Kyer—are guests on the most recent episode of CEA’s podcast.

The success of CEA’s Aspiring Educators Program and its role in attracting young people to the teaching profession was recognized at a recent State Board of Education meeting.

The Connecticut Education Association, an affiliate of the National Education Association seeks a Research & Policy Development Specialist to be based in Hartford, CT. Details can be found at: unionjobs.com/listing.php?... #1u #UnionStrong @ceateachers.bsky.social @neatoday.bsky.social

The latest CEA Podcast episode shines a spotlight on the upcoming CEA Celebrates Fundraising Gala taking place Friday, October 24, at Anthony’s Ocean View in New Haven.

If you downloaded your CEA digital membership card to your Google or Apple Wallet last year, good news—you’re all set for this school year! Your card gives you instant access to your CEA membership ID and the many benefits that come with it.

“The federal government at the moment is really in turmoil, and it comes down to—what do we fundamentally believe federal funding should go to support?” CEA President Kate Dias told Where We Live host Catherine Shen this morning on @ctpublic.bsky.social

UConn’s big 51–3 homecoming win over Florida International University was reason to cheer, but teachers didn’t wait for kickoff to start celebrating—they enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon before the game at CEA’s annual Teacher Tailgate.

“Every time that I think things are hard now, I remember that some of my former colleagues survived the Bridgeport strike,” CEA VP Joslyn DeLancey told CEA-Retired members at their fall meeting. "I can't imagine a lower time in education in CT than having our educators be hauled off to jail."

“I appreciate that you continue to put one foot in front of the other and fight the good fight for public education,” CEA President Kate Dias told the more than 100 local union leaders from across the state who joined her yesterday for the virtual CEA County Forum.

Check out the list of curated resources, books, lessons, videos, activities, and more compiled by NEA.

“The conversations we had through our small-group trainings allowed us to share our insights as state leaders who also have experience as local leaders and then really dive into frequently asked questions,” says CEA Vice President Joslyn DeLancey.

In the latest episode of CEA’s podcast, Ledyard teachers Nikki Engel and Kate Cummings share what they learned during their first year teaching with CEA President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn DeLancey.

Looking for a fun and inspiring way to spend Election Day? Join fellow educators for a dynamic day of professional growth celebrating the power of joyful learning at every age.

At an NEA Organizing Institute, teams from four CEA local associations had the opportunity to learn how to incorporate organizing strategies into their associations’ plans.

This week, CEA’s new back-to-school survey has been making headlines across Connecticut, drawing attention to the serious challenges facing students, teachers, and public education.

At a forum held by the legislature’s Education Committee last Friday, State Department of Education staff explained the three current federal education budget proposals that have been put forth by the president, House, and Senate.

“Our children have more needs than they’ve ever had, and we have less support than we’ve ever had,” said Mikeya Stovall, a Bridgeport teacher.