CT Dept of Education

From @GovNedLamont and @LGSusanB to state legislators and Commissioner @CharleneRTedu, leaders from across CT have come together to share one message with our teachers: THANK YOU and Happy #TeacherAppreciationWeek!

CT's Science of Reading Masterclass is strengthening how reading is taught in classrooms, helping educators apply evidence-based strategies that support student learning, according to a report conducted by the Center for Connecticut Education Research Collaboration. CCERC found that educators who participated in the Masterclass reported significant gains in their understanding of how children learn to read and to put those strategies into practice. Launched in 2022 with a $4.5M in ARP ESSER funds, the Science of Reading Masterclass is a statewide professional learning initiative developed by the CSDE in partnership with @capssct to build local capacity in evidence-based literacy instruction. Read the full report here: portal.ct.gov/ccerc/-/media/…

📣ATTENTION CT BUSINESS OWNERS Commissioner @CharleneRTedu is encouraging CT businesses to participate in the 4th Annual School Staff Appreciation #DigitalBackpack Program by opting-in to provide discounts to school staff over the summer. Learn more at portal.ct.gov/digitalbackpack

From @GovNedLamont and @LGSusanB to state legislators and Commissioner @CharleneRTedu, leaders from across CT have come together to share one message with our teachers: THANK YOU and Happy #TeacherAppreciationWeek!

Yesterday, Commissioner @CharleneRTedu convened more than a dozen educators from across CT for the 2026 Commissioner's Teacher Roundtable in partnership with the Teacher of the Year Council. The conversation focused on supporting student learning, strengthening the teaching profession, and preparing for the future of teaching - including student engagement, school climate, educator leadership, mental health supports, and the evolving role of Al in education. Thank you to all the educators who shared thoughtful, solution-oriented perspectives and recommendations grounded in their experiences serving students across our state. Your partnership and leadership continue to help Connecticut strengthen teaching and learning for every learner.

Happy School Nurse Day! Today, we acknowledge the incredible work CT's school nurses do to ensure the health and well-being of our students. Thank you for your hard work, compassion, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to children and school communities across our state

In honor of #TeacherAppreciationWeek, @LGSusanB & Commissioner @CharleneRTedu are encouraging businesses to participate in the 5th Annual School Staff Appreciation Digital Backpack Program by opting-in to provide discounts to school staff over the summer portal.ct.gov/digitalbackpack

In honor of #TeacherAppreciationWeek!

Connecticut students continue to build momentum in attendance, with March marking the LOWEST CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM RATE for this point in the school year on record. At 17.2%, this is an improvement from 17.6% in Feb. and down significantly from 19.3% as of last March. This continued year-over-year progress reflects sustained, statewide efforts to keep students connected, engaged, and on track for success. Let’s finish the year strong! In school, together, every day!

No kid should sit in a classroom hungry❌ Today at John Wallace Middle School in Newington, I’m urging the CT General Assembly to include $12.5M in the state budget for free breakfast for every K-12 student — and free lunch for those who qualify. Let’s get this done.

📣Applications are now open for Fall 2026 - Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program for students interested in a career in education. Students must have graduated from a public high school in an Alliance District and be enrolled in an approved, four-year educator preparation program or graduate education program in Connecticut for Fall 2026. The deadline to apply is September 15, 2026. For more information, please see the below flyer or go to sdect.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3J…

Congratulations to the CT Association of School Librarians (@ctcasl) on being named the @AASL Chapter of the Year Award winner; an incredible recognition of their leadership and unwavering commitment to students & school libraries across CT. This national honor highlights the essential role school librarians play in fostering literacy, curiosity, and lifelong learning for every student. Learn more about this well-deserved recognition: ala.org/news/2026/03/c… The celebration continues during National Library Week with two special author events: -Friday, April 17, 2026, 10:30 a.m. -Russell Public Library -Meet Barbara McClintock, author of Three Little Kittens -Monday, April 20, 2026, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Rain date: April 27) -Bushnell Park Carousel (Function Room) -Meet Priya Gupta, author of Yayyyy! It’s Monday From national recognition to community celebration, Connecticut’s school librarians continue to inspire a love of reading and learning in every corner of our state.

Did you know? CT high school students are bringing STEM to life—taking on a global wildlife crisis having already achieved patent-pending status for their invention. Selected as 1 of 8 teams nationwide for MIT’s InvenTeams program, students from Berlin have developed real-world solutions to protect bat populations and combat White-Nose Syndrome. Last week, they presented their work to Commissioner @CharleneRTedu and the State Board of Education, which you can watch here: youtube.com/live/QHBza6G6T… As one Board member shared, their curiosity, perseverance, and ability to communicate complex ideas is “truly impressive," and a powerful example of how students are building real-world skills and exploring future career pathways through hands-on learning.

Read more: k12dive.com/news/education…

Today, the CT State Board of Education recognized the extraordinary impact of paraprofessionals across our state in honor of National Paraprofessional Appreciation Day. We were proud to celebrate the 2026 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year, Vanessa Taylor of Putnam Public Schools, along with outstanding finalists and semifinalists who represent the very best of this profession: • Danielle Franklin (Windsor Public Schools) • Kimberly Fahy (Groton Public Schools) • Cynthia Salas (New London Public Schools) • Jillian Grieco (Meriden Public Schools) During the meeting, the State Board and Commissioner @CharleneRTedu formally presented a proclamation in support of National Paraeduactor Day recognizing paraprofessionals statewide for their essential role in supporting students, families, and school communities. Honorees also received a commemorative token of appreciation from the Board.

Families and caregivers, we invite you to participate in the Comprehensive Literacy Landscape Survey to help deepen CT's understanding of its Birth–Grade 12 literacy landscape. Learn more at tinyurl.com/28j79yj7

We’re excited to share a fun and meaningful opportunity for students and families to celebrate Dyslexia Awareness, while enjoying some exciting hockey! To learn more, see the below flyer or click here: acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc…