In a significant educational exchange, twelve students from Middletown High School recently participated in a roundtable discussion with Connecticut's Commissioner of Education, Charlene Russell-Tucker. The select group of students represented three school organizations: GIFTS (Girls Inspired For Total Success), Men of Excellence, and Educators Rising.
The intimate gathering in the school's Library Media Center centered on a crucial theme: diversifying the teaching workforce, with a strong focus on increasing the representation of educators of color in Connecticut schools. Through this conversation, students and the Commissioner explored strategies to enhance student, family, and community engagement in PreK-12 education, as well as ways to cultivate teachers' empathy and strengthen their connections with students.
At the Commissioner's request, no press was present during the session, creating an environment that fostered candid and authentic conversation. This decision proved valuable as students felt comfortable sharing their personal insights and experiences without external pressure.
"The students shared perspectives and asked thoughtful questions during their conversation with the Commissioner," said Jessie Lavorgna, Director of Communications for Middletown Public Schools who organized the event. "It was clear the students had given serious consideration to the challenges of creating a more diverse educational workforce."
The roundtable exemplifies Middletown Public Schools' commitment to amplifying student voices in educational policy discussions and providing meaningful opportunities for students to engage with educational leadership at the state level.
The Commissioner expressed appreciation for the students' participation and valuable input, which will help inform future initiatives aimed at creating more inclusive and representative educational environments throughout Connecticut.
Student Participants
The following students contributed their insights during the roundtable:
Alanah Hayden-Johnson
Canai Reynolds-Edwards
Dustin Stuckey
Dwayne Lucien-Yopp
James Mitchell
Jay'la Joseph
Luca Giannelli
Mia Lillian Powell
Michael Ortiz
Syrenedy Milette
Yoly Evans
Yori Perry-Rice
Administrative and Staff Attendance
Several key Middletown Public Schools administrators and staff members were present to support the event:
Student Group Advisors:
Terry Sears, Advisor for Men of Excellence
Cheryllyn White, Advisor for GIFTS
Middletown High School Leadership:
Dr. Dawn Brooks, Principal
Jason Serra, Assistant Principal
Andrea Pringle, Former Assistant Principal
District Leadership:
Jennifer Cannata, Assistant Superintendent of Administration
Elba Llantin-Cruz, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Meg Hanley, Director of PK-12 STEAM Education
Jessie Lavorgna, Director of Communications
Joyce Carey, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Additional photos can be found here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/XhGBX4efYCR6apCGA