Posted on October 3, 2023
Friday night’s wild rain storm was no match for the thunderous applause State Representative Kathleen McCarty (R-38) received from educators, colleagues, and friends as she graciously accepted the Connecticut Education Association’s Education Champion Award during their 175th CEA Celebrates Gala.
In the letter announcing Rep. McCarty as the 2023 CEA Education Champion Awardee, the CEA said she was selected for her “efforts to promote initiatives that improve public education for teachers and students.” The letter also noted, “Your passion for supporting educators and Connecticut’s public schools and your tremendous efforts to enact legislation that uplifts education on all levels have a profound and lasting impact on our members.”
“I am honored and humbled to accept this legislative award in recognition of the meaningful and hard work that our teachers, paraprofessionals and administrators, do on a daily basis to ensure that every student has access to the best possible education in our state. This award belongs to all who promote quality education for all students” Rep. McCarty, Ranking Member of the Education Committee said. “It is a privilege to work on education policy that addresses the academic, social emotional and mental health needs of our students and creates safe, nurturing school climates that respect and value students, teachers, parents and the community at large.”
The Education Champion Award acknowledges advocates “who fight hard for quality education behind the scenes but who also speak loudly and with courage regarding the vital work of our teachers.”
Other awardees included: State Representative Jeff Currey, chair of the Education Committee; Paul Freeman, Superintendent of the Guilford Public Schools; Bob Chase, former CEA and NEA president; and Katie Grant, board member and early career educator, former state chair of the Aspiring Educator program.
The Award was presented during CEA’s 175th Gala held at the Doubletree Hotel in Bristol.
