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(Hartford, Conn.) The Connecticut Teacher Residency Program (CT TRP) is pleased to announce a new articulation agreement with Quinnipiac University that creates a streamlined pathway for CT TRP graduates to earn a fully online Master of Science in Special Education.Under the agreement, Quinnipiac University will honor 12 graduate credits earned through CT TRP coursework. Program completers will complete the remaining 18 credits through Quinnipiac University to earn the master’s degree. The partnership is open to both Elementary Education and Special Education CT TRP completers, expanding access to advanced credentials in a high-need certification area.“This collaboration between Quinnipiac University’s School of Education and CT TRP reflects our shared commitment to equity in education—ensuring that the teaching workforce represents and understands the communities it serves,” said Dr. Anne Dichele, Dean of the Quinnipiac School of Education. “I believe this unique partnership provides an innovative model that shares the strengths of two programs of teacher professionalism, and in doing so shapes the future of education by empowering teachers who bring inclusive excellence and passion to their work.”For Elementary Education CT TRP graduates, the partnership also provides an optional pathway to earn a Special Education cross-endorsement. While the master’s degree itself does not confer cross-endorsement, Elementary TRP graduates may earn the Special Education endorsement by completing an additional 6-credit practicum, bringing the total to 24 credits. This practicum may be completed within educators’ current teaching roles serving inclusion students.“We value university partnerships that recognize the strength and relevance of TRP’s preparation model,” said Dr. Violet Jiménez Sims, Managing Director of Academic Programming and Legislative Affairs for CT TRP. “Our collaboration with Quinnipiac University expands graduate-level pathways for both elementary and comprehensive special education completers, while honoring the intellectual challenge of TRP’s coursework and the expertise developed through real-world teaching experience. This partnership reinforces our belief that educators’ lived experiences are not supplemental to academic learning—they are foundational to it.” The Connecticut Teacher Residency Program, managed by CREC in partnership with the RESC (Regional Educational Service Centers) Alliance, is focused on diversifying the educator workforce and addressing teacher shortages in high-need certification areas across the state. Creating accessible pathways to advanced degrees supports the recruitment, retention, and professional advancement of educators committed to serving Connecticut’s diverse student population.Since its inception in 2019, CT TRP has offered an innovative residency model that prepares non-certified candidates with bachelor’s degrees to earn state teaching certification while working full time in classrooms. The program began as an elementary certification pilot in CREC Magnet Schools and has since expanded statewide. In recent years, CT TRP added Special Education certification and received state approval for a Middle School Mathematics certification pathway. More information is available at www.ct-trp.org###The Capitol Region Education Council was established in 1966. Working with and for its member districts, CREC has developed a wide array of cost-effective and high-quality programs and services to meet the educational needs of children and adults in the region. CREC brings over five decades of experience in education, regional collaboration, and operations to provide innovative strategies and products that address the changing needs of school districts and their students, corporations, non-profits, and individual professions. CREC regularly serves 35 towns in Greater Hartford, offering more than 120 programs to more than 150,000 students annually. CREC manages more than 40 facilities throughout the area, including 16 interdistrict magnet schools and two magnet programs. More information about CREC and CREC’s award-winning schools is available at www.crec.org. About Quinnipiac University Quinnipiac is a private, coeducational institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university enrolls 9,700 students in more than 100 degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Education, Computing and Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing and the College of Arts & Sciences. Quinnipiac is ranked 51st in The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse “2026 Best Colleges in the U.S.” and is also recognized by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review’s “The Best 391 Colleges.” The university is expanding innovative programs for both traditional and adult learners and developing dynamic corporate partnerships. Quinnipiac recently completed a significant capital expansion on its main campus, including a state-of-the-art new School of Business and an interdisciplinary science and innovation hub. For more information, please visit qu.edu. Connect with Quinnipiac on Facebook and Instagram and follow Quinnipiac on X @QuinnipiacU. ...

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(Hartford, Conn.) The Connecticut Teacher Residency Program (CT TRP) is thrilled to announce a brand new partnership with the University of Hartford that allows graduates of the program to enter a Master of Education program at the University while transferring in up to 15 credits from their residency coursework."The University of Hartford is excited to launch an innovative graduate degree pathway for completers of the CT Teacher Residency Program,” said Dr. Cesarina Thompson, Dean of the University of Hartford College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions. “We are committed to addressing the severe teacher shortage across our State and to collaborating with our partners to enhance the diversity of our teacher workforce and equip teachers with the advanced knowledge and skills they need to provide equitable and inclusive learning opportunities that will benefit all learners.”The university program offers those who complete the CT TRP a M.Ed. degree focusing on Elementary Education. Applicants who meet the criteria for the program can transfer in the coursework from five CT TRP courses towards required credits for the M.Ed. The transferrable classes include Applied Developmental & Learning Theories, Fundamentals of Reading Instruction, Foundations & Strategic Actions of Literacy Learning, PreK-Grade 6 Science and Technology in the Classroom, and Elementary Methods: Social Studies/Science/Art. "We are thrilled to continue dismantling barriers and providing opportunities for TRP's diverse candidates and Program completers via this partnership and degree pathway with the University of Hartford,” said Dr. Violet Jiménez Sims, Managing Director of Academic Programming for CT TRP. “This collaboration marks a significant stride towards empowering diverse educators to ascend academically and professionally. By bridging our program's challenging, innovative coursework with the University's esteemed academic resources, we are not only addressing the critical teacher shortage but also cultivating teachers equipped with the advanced skills necessary to advance TRP's vision 'to create opportunities for all children and transform schools to be diverse and inclusive environments'."The Connecticut Teacher Residency Program (CT TRP), managed by CREC in partnership with the RESC (Regional Educational Service Centers) Alliance, is focused on diversifying the teaching staff across the state of Connecticut. Adding a pathway to obtaining a master’s degree—with nearly half of the credits completed—is a significant step towards the goal of attracting and retaining these diverse teachers in the state. Advanced degrees such as a master’s, or the equivalent coursework, are one of the best ways for educators to gain valuable skills, increase teacher pay, and work towards leadership roles.CT TRP, since its inception in 2019, offers a unique approach to training non-certified candidates with a bachelor’s degree by partnering with school districts to provide a residency model leading to State Teaching Certification. Residents and graduates give students windows and mirrors into their lived experiences and possibilities for their future. The program began in 2019 as a pilot in CREC’s Magnet Schools for elementary certification and is now offered in districts across Connecticut. In 2023 CT TRP added a pilot for Special Education certification, and in March 2024 received approval for a new Middle School Mathematics Certification program. CT TRP’s website is www.ct-trp.org ###The Capitol Region Education Council was established in 1966. Working with and for its member districts, CREC has developed a wide array of cost-effective and high-quality programs and services to meet the educational needs of children and adults in the region. CREC brings over five decades of experience in education, regional collaboration, and operations to provide innovative strategies and products that address the changing needs of school districts and their students, corporations, non-profits, and individual professions. CREC regularly serves 35 towns in Greater Hartford, offering more than 120 programs to more than 150,000 students annually. CREC manages more than 40 facilities throughout the area, including 16 interdistrict magnet schools and two magnet programs. More information about CREC and CREC’s award-winning schools is available at www.crec.org. ...

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(Hartford, Conn.) The Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) is excited to announce the hiring of Desi Nesmith as our Assistant Executive Director. Nesmith’s first day with CREC was Tuesday, April 30, filling a position on CREC’s Executive Leadership Team that has been unappointed for several years.Nesmith comes to CREC from the Bloomfield Public Schools where he held the title of Assistant Superintendent. Before his role in Bloomfield, he was the Deputy Commissioner at the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), overseeing the Strategic Planning, Performance, Academic, and Turnaround offices. Nesmith collaborated closely with the Learn from Home Task Force during his tenure to bridge the digital divide by providing devices and connectivity to Connecticut families. He also served as the agency's Federal Liaison to the U.S. Department of Education, shaping statewide federal funding priorities, and he served on the General Assembly’s Juvenile Justice Policy Oversight Committee.In June 2019, Governor Ned Lamont appointed Nesmith as Interim Commissioner of Education, overseeing CSDE during the transition to a permanent Education Commissioner. Earlier, he served as Chief Turnaround Officer, managing the state's Alliance District and Charter School programs, promoting equity and excellence across Connecticut's schools. Nesmith’s educational leadership experience extends back to his role as principal of Metacomet Elementary School in Bloomfield, where he significantly improved student achievement, receiving national recognition with the Milken Educator's Award in 2014.“I am honored and excited join the CREC team as an Assistant Executive Director,” said Nesmith. “I look forward to working with colleagues here at CREC as well as the other Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs) and our member districts.”The role of Assistant Executive Director at CREC develops and implements the overall vision, mission, and goals of the agency and supervises, provides guidance, and evaluates programs and leadership across the agency. He will also interface directly with key stakeholders across the state involved with regional education, budgets, and operational development like the RESC Alliance, State Department of Education, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, and the Connecticut General Assembly.“It gives me great pleasure to welcome Desi Nesmith to the position of Assistant Executive Director,” said Greg Florio, CREC Executive Director. “Desi's extensive background in educational leadership, aligns perfectly with CREC's core values and strategic goals. His proven commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and equity will undoubtedly propel our mission forward."The CREC community eagerly looks forward to embracing Nesmith in his new position, expecting a period of continuous development and success under his guidance. ###The Capitol Region Education Council was established in 1966. Working with and for its member districts, CREC has developed a wide array of cost-effective and high-quality programs and services to meet the educational needs of children and adults in the region. CREC brings over five decades of experience in education, regional collaboration, and operations to provide innovative strategies and products that address the changing needs of school districts and their students, corporations, non-profits, and individual professions. CREC regularly serves 35 towns in Greater Hartford, offering more than 120 programs to more than 150,000 students annually. CREC manages more than 40 facilities throughout the area, including 16 interdistrict magnet schools and two magnet programs. More information about CREC and CREC’s award-winning schools is available at www.crec.org. ...

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(Hartford, Conn.) The Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Sasha Douglas as the new Superintendent of CREC Magnet Schools, effective July 1, 2024. Dr. Douglas will succeed Timothy Sullivan Jr., who is retiring after a distinguished 35-year career in education, the last seven as superintendent of CREC Magnet Schools.Dr. Douglas currently serves as Assistant Superintendent of CREC Magnet Schools, where she has significantly contributed to the district's leadership, with a special focus on Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment. She joined CREC in 2011 as the principal of the CREC Metropolitan Learning Center for Global & International Studies, where she spearheaded the adoption of the "IB (International Baccalaureate) for All" approach, enhancing college preparatory access for all students. Her leadership transformed the school into a regional leader in college acceptance and retention."I am honored to assume the privilege of leading CREC Magnet Schools," said Dr. Douglas. "CREC’s Core Values reflect a commitment to serving the best interest of each child. I have seen this commitment firsthand as an educator and as a CREC parent. I look forward to inspiring continued excellence and innovation in CREC Magnet Schools."In April 2024, Dr. Douglas completed her doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Connecticut, focusing her research on immigrant mothers and their experiences with their children’s schools. Born in Jamaica, Dr. Douglas takes pride in her heritage, and her journey—both personal and professional—showcases the power of education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Africana Studies and a Master of Arts in Teaching, focused on Social Studies, both from Brown University."Sasha has made several important contributions to our work on the Magnet Schools Leadership team since she joined in 2020. She has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to our magnet schools and key leader in both the magnet schools and our agency as a whole,” said outgoing Superintendent Timothy Sullivan Jr. expressing his confidence in Dr. Douglas’s capabilities. “Her emphatic belief in the potential of people is an inspiration to us all.""I am thrilled to appoint Sasha Douglas as Superintendent. CREC’s Mission, Vision, and Core Values drive Sasha’s work and her belief that all children have potential for great things and that it is our responsibility to assure each one of them achieves that potential,” said Greg Florio, CREC Executive Director.The CREC community is excited to welcome Dr. Douglas into her new role and anticipates a future of sustained growth and achievement under her leadership.###The Capitol Region Education Council was established in 1966. Working with and for its member districts, CREC has developed a wide array of cost-effective and high-quality programs and services to meet the educational needs of children and adults in the region. CREC brings over five decades of experience in education, regional collaboration, and operations to provide innovative strategies and products that address the changing needs of school districts and their students, corporations, non-profits, and individual professions. CREC regularly serves 35 towns in Greater Hartford, offering more than 120 programs to more than 150,000 students annually. CREC manages more than 40 facilities throughout the area, including 16 interdistrict magnet schools and two magnet programs. More information about CREC and CREC’s award-winning schools is available at www.crec.org. ...

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On Wednesday, March 6, 2024, The Connecticut State Board of Education officially granted approval to the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) for a Mathematics certification through the groundbreaking Connecticut Teacher Residency Program (CT-TRP). This decision empowers CT-TRP to certify graduates in the critical certification area of Mathematics for grades 4-8. The approval is valid through October 31, 2026, with annual progress monitoring based on CREC’s Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) annual report data, in conjunction with the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) review committee's evaluations.This pioneering program is specifically designed to address the significant shortage of certified middle school mathematics teachers and teachers of color. By focusing on this crucial educational segment, TRP aims to cultivate a cadre of educators who are not only proficient in mathematics but also embody the diversity of the student populations they serve. The program prioritizes recruitment from existing non-certified staff within partner districts, offering them a pathway to certification that includes a full-time residency with competitive pay and benefits. The CT-TRP Math program is set to begin implementation in the summer of 2024, with CREC eagerly anticipating the recruitment of its inaugural cohort. "The Connecticut Teacher Residency Program is excited to add middle school mathematics to our growing list of certification pathways. Research has shown that teacher residency models are an innovative approach to recruiting, preparing and retaining high-quality teachers,” said Ushawnda Mitchell, Managing Director of Residency for CT TRP, to highlight the program's significance. “With the support of the RESC Alliance, our partner districts, and grant funders, we continue to diversify Connecticut's teacher workforce. We currently have 102 (95% are people of color) TRP teachers from our first four cohorts currently serving as teachers of record in elementary classrooms across the state of Connecticut. This fall we will not only add more elementary teachers to this growing number but also special education teachers and next year math."During their first academic year, candidates will engage in over 450 contact hours of coursework covering both the content and pedagogy of middle school mathematics. This includes intensive summer sessions and evening courses during the residency year, alongside additional professional development opportunities through school-based learning. This comprehensive approach ensures that upon meeting certification requirements, these educators are well-prepared to assume full-time positions as middle school mathematics teachers, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and insight to inspire and educate future generations."I am extremely excited with the expansion of TRP to include middle school math certification,” said Nicole Sanders, Assistant Chief Talent Officer for the Consolidated School District of New Britain (CSDNB), a partnering school district. “This is yet another opportunity to grow CSDNB educator pathway to diversify the workforce. CSDNB and TRP's continuous partnership and commitment to aspirant teachers challenges traditional methods for recruitment, hiring and selection and retention is in its infancy and we look forward to what future endeavors."  For more information about the TRP-Math program and how this initiative represents a strategic response to the evolving needs of Connecticut's educational system, providing a viable solution to the twin challenges of teacher shortage and lack of diversity in the STEM fields, visit ct-trp.org. ###The Capitol Region Education Council was established in 1966. Working with and for its member districts, CREC has developed a wide array of cost-effective and high-quality programs and services to meet the educational needs of children and adults in the region. CREC brings over five decades of experience in education, regional collaboration, and operations to provide innovative strategies and products that address the changing needs of school districts and their students, corporations, non-profits, and individual professions. CREC regularly serves 36 towns in Greater Hartford, offering more than 120 programs to more than 150,000 students annually. CREC manages more than 35 facilities throughout the area, including 16 interdistrict magnet schools and two magnet programs. More information about CREC and CREC’s award-winning schools is available at www.crec.org. ...

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(Hartford, Conn.) In conjunction with the eleventh anniversary of the Sandy Hook tragedy, the CREC Foundation is proud to announce its newest Scholarship Fund—The Ana Grace Love Wins Scholarship.The scholarship is dedicated to Ana Grace Márquez-Greene, the daughter of Jimmy Greene and Nelba Márquez-Greene, and sister to Isaiah Márquez-Greene. Ana was one of the students murdered in the Sandy Hook massacre on December 14, 2012. In memory of Ana, the Márquez-Greene family has partnered with CREC to offer this four-year award to honor what should be the natural cycle of their daughter, Ana Grace’s, college years. She would likely have graduated high school in 2024. The Márquez-Greene family hopes the scholarship serves as a reminder that perseverance, hard work, and community can prevail—even in the most tragic of circumstances.“As graduates of CREC schools, we are enthusiastic champions of the specialized study, academic rigor and enhanced learning opportunities that come from being with others outside your own circle,” said Nelba Márquez-Greene, on behalf of herself and Jimmy. “We have such positive memories of our years as students and later as staff and believe this is exactly what the world needs right now.”  To be eligible for the award, the applying student must be a 2024 graduate from a CREC Magnet School or the Hartford Region Open Choice Program who has excelled academically and has demonstrated an interest in the arts.The scholarship award is for one student for a total of $25,000 and is renewable up to four years at $6,250.Applications are due to the CREC Foundation by April 2, 2024, and interested applicants can find the application here: HYPERLINK "https://www.crec.org/foundation/docs/Ana_Grace_Love_Wins_Scholarship_application_.pdf"https://www.crec.org/foundation/docs/Ana_Grace_Love_Wins_Scholarship_application_.pdf In addition to being a CREC or Open Choice Student with an arts interest, applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, be accepted to a four-year college program, have a demonstrated financial need, and agree to public recognition of the award with the Márquez-Greene family.In 2014, CREC Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Elementary School was renamed in honor of Ana Grace. CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts Elementary School served students grade PreK-5 in its Avon facility until its merger with CREC Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts Middle School in January 2022, when CREC opened the CREC Ana Grace Academy of the Arts PreK-8 school in Bloomfield. ###The Capitol Region Education Council was established in 1966. Working with and for its member districts, CREC has developed a wide array of cost-effective and high-quality programs and services to meet the educational needs of children and adults in the region. CREC brings over five decades of experience in education, regional collaboration, and operations to provide innovative strategies and products that address the changing needs of school districts and their students, corporations, non-profits, and individual professions. CREC regularly serves 36 towns in Greater Hartford, offering more than 120 programs to more than 150,000 students annually. CREC manages more than 35 facilities throughout the area, including 16 interdistrict magnet schools and two magnet programs. More information about CREC and CREC’s award-winning schools is available at www.crec.org. ...

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(Hartford, Conn.) On Monday, May 15, 2023, CREC officially announced the hiring of Miguel Pabon as Assistant Superintendent of Pupil Services for CREC Magnet Schools, effective July 2023. Pabon leaves his current role as Director of Pupil Services for Waterbury Public Schools to re-join CREC. “Miguel Pabon is a great hire for CREC. With previous experience working for CREC, he understands the complexity of providing students services in a magnet school environment,” said Timothy J. Sullivan Jr., Superintendent of CREC Magnet Schools. “He knows that building strong relationships with our sending districts is critical to our success. Miguel has spent his career advocating for students and families, we are happy to have him leading that effort in our schools and programs.”Pabon will replace Carole Kerkin, who is retiring from the same position at the end of the school year. “The departure of Carole Kerkin leaves us with big shoes to fill,” said Sullivan. “Carole was relentless in efforts to support our students and make sure that every child was given the opportunity to be successful.”Kerkin has served CREC in many roles for over 20 years, including time as Assistant Director of both CREC Student Services and the Hartford Region Open Choice Program.Originally from Puerto Rico, Pabon has lived in Connecticut the majority of his life and is a product of an urban public school education. He is bilingual/bicultural and has dedicated his professional career of over 25 years to working in urban education. After earning his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut, and Master’s degree from Northeastern University, he worked as a bilingual school psychologist for Hartford Public Schools for nine years. Miguel earned his sixth-year degree in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University and has held a variety of leadership positions in several school districts, including previous time with CREC, Hartford, Windham, and Waterbury.###The Capitol Region Education Council was established in 1966. Working with and for its member districts, CREC has developed a wide array of cost-effective and high-quality programs and services to meet the educational needs of children and adults in the region. CREC brings over five decades of experience in education, regional collaboration, and operations to provide innovative strategies and products that address the changing needs of school districts and their students, corporations, non-profits, and individual professions. CREC regularly serves 36 towns in Greater Hartford, offering more than 120 programs to more than 150,000 students annually. CREC manages more than 35 facilities throughout the area, including 16 interdistrict magnet schools and two magnet programs. More information about CREC and CREC’s award-winning schools is available at www.crec.org. ...

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