HARTFORD, CT — The Connecticut Education Association (CEA) used the unveiling of a new piece of art made by aspiring teachers to again call for greater support for educators across the state.
The 8’ by 8’ art project, called Piecing Together for Political Action, involved over 130 college students in the Aspiring Educators program, attending teacher preparation programs at eight colleges across the state. It reflects key legislative issues affecting pre-service and active educators and policies that impact the teaching profession.
Kate Dias, president of the CEA, lauded the aspiring teachers for their commitment to the profession.
“These are not just great potential teachers … but they are also tremendous advocates for public education and so we are grateful to them,” Dias said. “We made the time to make sure that this is a space where we celebrate our student program and the contributions they make. They have not just done the work, but they’ve brought in other people and I think it’s a really true testament to their leadership that they sought out others too. So we’re really, really proud of the work of these students, and I believe it’s your turn.”
Hannah Spinner, a senior at UConn, said the challenges educators are facing will not deter her from the profession.
“I think that’s part of the reason why we’re doing what we’re doing here with our legislative calls to action,” she said. “I think what we can do at a state level is to protect teachers and students here. I do want to make sure that we’re prioritizing the rights of students and teachers, and that’s why we’re doing this work.”
Spinner, who is working toward her elementary certification to teach in third or fourth grade, is inspired by her grandfather, who was a college professor when she was a child. She said he taught her the value of education, and she wants to do the same for others.
Education has been a hot topic in recent months. The Trump administration has dramatically downsized the Department of Education amid plans to close it. Additionally, the administration has threatened to hold back K-12 funding in districts that do not follow its mandates on topics such as ending diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Connecticut has stepped in to provide additional funding in some areas. On March 5, the legislature approved $40 million in special education funding. The deal with the governor for the additional spending came after he threatened to veto the original spending measure.
Dias said while she wants educators to be optimistic, teachers need support.
“They need it in financial capacity,” she said. “They need it in support of the fact that the curriculum isn’t drawn up by a singular teacher. It is approved by these leaders. We need them to stand by that work. We need them to stand by us and to be partners in building public education.”
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