Two T’s in a Pod

Episode 51: Education First—Legislators on What Matters Most

Listen to an exclusive conversation with Education Committee Co-chair Rep. Jennifer Leeper and Co-vice Chair Rep. Kevin Brown. They discuss this year’s top priorities for the Education Committee—and why your voice is key to getting good bills passed. 

Episode 52: Banned Books

In this episode of CEA's podcast, Senator Bob Duff and school library media specialist Jenny Lussier, strong supporters of Senate Bill 1271 An Act Concerning School and Public Libraries, spoke with CEA President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn DeLancey about why this bill is needed and is receiving strong endorsements from educators, parents, and legislators alike.

Episode 53: Educator Voice in Certification Updates

Teacher certification in Connecticut hasn’t seen major changes since the 1990s, but that’s going to change soon. Jennifer Rodriguez and Elsa Batista are two of the four teachers who are sitting on the Connecticut Educator Preparation and Certification Board. In this episode they talk with CEA President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn DeLancey about the work of the Board and the importance of educators' voice in updating the certification standards. 

Episode 54: Summit on Diversity

CEA Racial & Ethnic Diversity Affairs Commission members Faith Sweeney and Luanelly Iglesias join CEA President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn DeLancey in this episode to discuss CEA's upcoming Summit on Diversity taking place Saturday, March 29, 2025, in New Haven. Find out why you should consider attending to hear from keynote speaker Dr. Miguel Cardona and learn about leadership opportunities, advocacy, and equity. 

Episode 55: Defending Public Education with AG William Tong

"This attack on the Department of Education—let's be clear about what it is—it's an attempt to dismantle public education as we know it here in America," Connecticut Attorney General William Tong says.
Tong and CEA Political Engagement Coordinator Gus Melita are guests on this episode and discuss the impact of cuts to the U.S. Department of Education and what people in Connecticut can do to stand up for our public schools.

Episode 56: Teachers Go the Extra Mile for their Students

To ensure our elected officials understand why properly supported staff and well resourced schools are vital to students’ futures, teachers need to speak up and share all they do for their students. As part of CEA’s public awareness campaign, Teachers Go the Extra Mile for Their Students Every Day, teachers who speak at board of education and other town meetings this spring are receiving a Teachers Go the Extra Mile T-shirt.
Manchester is one local association that has already had a number of members attend board of education meetings to share what goes on in their classrooms. On the latest episode of CEA's podcast, Manchester president James Tierinni and CEA Training and Organizational Development Specialist Katie Grant talk about the new campaign with CEA President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn DeLancey.
Click here to find out more about participating in the campaign.

Episode 57: Six Weeks to Go

With six weeks left in the legislative session there is still time for legislators to pass bills to improve teaching and learning. In the latest episode of CEA's podcast, CEA President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn DeLancey talk with State Rep. Jillian Gilchrest and Hamden teacher Cinzia Letieri about education issues the legislature has been considering and discuss why an investment in the teaching profession is long overdue. 

Episode 58: From Appreciation to Action

There's been a lot going on in recent weeks, from CEA Lobby Day and May Day to town budget battles and Teacher Appreciation Week. In this episode, CEA President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn DeLancey discuss recent events and reminisce about teachers who were instrumental in their own lives.
This week is the perfect week to remind Connecticut lawmakers that appreciation isn't enough, teachers need action. Remind them of the importance of ensuring fairness in the workplace, addressing the special education crisis, investing in educators, and supporting retired teachers before the legislative session ends on June 4.

Episode 59: Early-Career, Big Impact

In the latest episode of CEA's podcast, early-career educators Ashley Beal (Hamden) and Emily Gunzburg (Manchester) join CEA President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn DeLancey for a powerful conversation about what it means to be a new educator today—and why union involvement is important from the very beginning. 
The CEA Early Career program provides workshops and social opportunities for newer educators to connect with one another and learn more about the union and the support available to teachers. There will be opportunities to get involved during CEA's Summer Conference, which takes place August 6-7—registration opens in early June. 
Know an early-career educator who demonstrates a strong commitment to unionism and advocacy for teacher rights? Nominate them for a CEA Education Champion Award!

Episode 60: Pride in Action

How are you celebrating Pride Month? On the latest episode of CEA's Podcast, CEA Pride Committee members Danbury teacher Kimberly D’Auria and Tolland teacher Tiffany Bardos share what the Pride Committee has been up to this year and how teachers can make sure their district, school, and classroom are welcoming and inclusive places for students and staff alike. 
In their conversation with CEA President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn DeLancey, D'Auria and Bardos highlight the resources available to CEA members on the CEA Pride webpage—which include information on how to be an ally to LGBTQ+ youth, CEA LGBTQ+ collective bargaining model language, a CEA model LGBTQ+ resolution for boards of education, a link to purchase Safe Space badges, and much more.