Teachers Speak, Lawmakers Listen: Inside CEA’s Breakfast with Legislators

March 1, 2026 - 07:56

More than 150 classroom teachers gathered with state lawmakers this week, transforming a morning meal into a powerful forum for the issues most critical to Connecticut's public schools. The educators presented a clear and unified call for systemic improvements to support both their profession and student learning.

Central to their advocacy was a demand for a formal, fair process in educator evaluations and assignments, alongside stronger privacy protections for teachers. They argued that such measures are fundamental to professional respect and effective instruction.

The group also championed a groundbreaking proposal for paid student teaching, highlighting the significant financial barrier that deters many potential educators from entering the field. This, they stressed, is essential for addressing the state's teacher shortage and building a robust pipeline of new talent.

Further discussions focused on the urgent need for increased and sustained education funding. Teachers detailed how greater investment directly impacts smaller class sizes, updated learning materials, and vital student support services. The event underscored the direct connection between classroom realities and legislative action, with educators providing firsthand testimony to guide future policy decisions.