CABE Board of Education Distinction Award
The Connecticut Association of Board of Education (CABE) is an organization that provides services, programs, and professional development to help school boards and board members provide leadership within their school districts. Berlin’s Board of Education spent the 2022-2023 calendar year working to achieve the CABE Board of Education Distinction Award. Boards who have achieved the CABE Board Leadership Award at least twice in the last four years are eligible to receive the Board of Distinction Award. The Board of Education was also recognized for a communication award, The Bonnie B. Carnie Award for Excellence for Educational Communications. The Board of Education values communication and we will continue to strive to reach all stakeholders within our community.
CABE’s Annual Summer Leadership Conference 2021 with Charlene Russell-Tucker, Connecticut Commissioner of Education.
Board of Education Experience
2015-2018: 3-year term
2018-2021: 3-year term
2018-2020: Chair of the Community Engagement Committee
Find creative ways to engage and inform the community
Berlin Citizen Commentaries, approximately 2-4 per month
Establish social media presence for the Berlin Board of Education
2019-2020: Board of Education Secretary
2020-2021: Board of Education President
During Budget Season:
Advocated for appropriate funding for Berlin Public Schools while being fiscally responsible
Schools were appropriately funded while mill rates did not increase
Board Leadership (past and current):
Collaborative efforts through the pandemic to meet the needs of all learners
Welcoming of the different voices in the betterment of our educational system; board members, community members, and students
Education Experience
2007-2016: Elementary School Teacher
2016-Present: 9-12 Business Education Teacher
2019-Present: Alternate Route to Certification, State of Connecticut, Officer of Higher Education
2019-2021: Faculty, Business Education Cohort
July 2021-May 2022: Curriculum and Instruction Specialist
Volunteer Experience
2007-2016: Connecticut American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State, Counselor
In 2001, I had the opportunity to attend Girls State as a delegate. During this time, I realized the importance of local government and the impact of each individual vote. This exposure eventually led to my involvement with the Board of Education. My experience at Girls State was not only inspirational; it was transformational.
After college, I began giving back to this nationally recognized leadership program by mentoring over 200 rising senior delegates each year. This initiative helped countless young women understand local government, build a strong community, and develop vital problem-solving skills.