The back-to-school season has seen CEA's officers—President Kate Dias, Vice President Joslyn DeLancey, Secretary Gail Jorden, and Treasurer Stephanie Wanzer—traveling around the state to dozens of New Teacher Orientations. Now that school is in session, or almost in session, in Connecticut districts, listen to the four chat about meeting new members, their hopes for back-to-school, and what CEA has in store the next few months.

This episode covers everything from a reflection on the legacy of icon Dolly Parton to a discussion of CEA's most controversial swag item.

And as you prepare for the year ahead, remember to register for the free Reimagining Education Symposium on Election Day, buy tickets or sponsorships for the CEA Celebrates Gala to support the Connecticut Education Foundation, and get ready to support the Holiday Bear Project.

After a whirlwind school year, summer offers teachers a chance to pause and refresh—but sometimes the season can be quickly filled with obligations that get in the way of a much-needed break.

Jessica Smith, senior vice president of strategy and innovation at The Connection Institute for Innovative Practice, talks to CEA President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn DeLancy about how teachers can use summer effectively to recharge and combat burnout.

For more from Smith, check out her Substack.

Joy Colon is an educator who serves and gives back to her students, colleagues, union, and community in many ways. The Greenwich High special education teacher talks with CEA President Kate Dias and Vice President Joslyn DeLancey about her experience in the classroom, her work as co-chair of the CEA Racial and Ethnic Diversity Affairs Commission, and the many other ways she serves her community including as a member of Trumbull's Town Council.

From among the many teachers who were nominated, Colon was selected to receive CEA’s highest teaching award, The John McCormack Award for Teaching Excellence, which comes with a $2,000 cash honorarium and honors an educator who excels in the classroom and as a union advocate.