New Leadership Elected at Connecticut Education Association

Connecticut Education Association members elected Kate Dias, a Manchester High School math teacher, as president of the state’s largest teachers’ union. Dias will assume the office of CEA president on July 15.

Dias challenged current CEA President Jeff Leake, who held the office for the past three years. Dias has held numerous union leadership positions, including president of the Manchester Education Association and member of the CEA Board of Directors.

Dias is a champion of public education and the teaching profession. “As dedicated professionals, teachers deserve to be celebrated, respected, and rewarded,” said Dias, who has worked tirelessly to represent her colleagues in Manchester and will bring that same energy and bold leadership to CEA representing educators across the state.

As a classroom teacher and local leader during the pandemic, Dias understands the chaos, challenges, and stress facing educators and strongly believes in teachers having a seat at the table discussing state and district policies relating to public education. “While we have no idea what the future will look like for education, in this time of tremendous change and challenge, I will be a bold, strong voice in the center of the conversation that demands educators are heard,” she said.

New CEA Vice President Elected

Teachers also elected Darien teacher and local leader Joslyn DeLancey to the position of CEA vice president, defeating current CEA Vice President Tom Nicholas, who served in the office for the past three years. DeLancey will assume office on July 15.

Currently, DeLancey is the Darien Education Association president, Fairfield County Director, and a fifth-grade teacher. She is committed to supporting and empowering local associations to ensure teachers’ voices are heard and their rights are protected. DeLancey is also a strong advocate for equity in education.