Join Yale Ed Studies student Christian Robles in conversation with newly elected New Haven Federation of Teachers president and high school history teacher, Leslie Blatteau (YC ‘97, Teacher Education Program ‘07) and colleagues for a discussion about teachers unions and improving education for students, teachers and families during the pandemic. Register here!
Panelists:
Christian Robles is a junior in Davenport College majoring in Political Science and is a part of the Education Scholars Program. He was previously the education/youth services reporter for the Yale Daily News, where he wrote stories about New Haven Public Schools’ pandemic response during the 2020-21 school year, among other education issues. He now is a tutor for first graders in quarantine for New Haven Public Schools and a tutor with Code Haven. His interests in Education Studies include equitable school funding and school integration.
As the newly elected President of the New Haven Federation of Teachers, Leslie Blatteau is building off her fifteen years of experience as a high school social studies teacher and decades of activism in the Elm City, to build the capacity of NHFT as a force for organizing for the common good. Over the last three months, the NHFT Executive Board has worked to increase engagement among members by opening lines of communication, supporting the work of building stewards, and ensuring that our committees are active and open to all members. Leslie began her educational activism with the New Haven Educators Collective and the New Haven Public School Advocates, two grassroots organizations that worked to fight privatization and push for increased transparency and classroom funding in our public schools. Leslie and her family have lived in the Hill neighborhood since 2005 and her daughter is a first grader at Hill Central School.
Mia Y. Comulada Breuler is a School Counselor at Wilbur Cross High School and has been a union steward for her school for the past three years. This year, Mia was elected as the new Executive Secretary of NHFT Local 933. In addition, Mia is co-chair of the Bylaws Committee and the Communications Committee. Mia had no idea union work was something she would come to enjoy as much as she does. Her interest in the wellbeing of others has expanded beyond mental health to the importance of protecting and advocating for the rights of educators, so that they have working conditions that promote student learning, professional respect, autonomy and growth. Mia attended NHPS from 4th grade through high school. She lives in New Haven with her husband, and has three adult children, who all attended the New Haven Public Schools.
Tim Shortt is a 5th/6th Grade Science Teacher at Worthington Hooker School and a union steward. This year, Tim was elected to the Executive Board as a PreK-8 Representative. Tim is also co-chair of the Working Conditions Committee, wanting to be sure all learning environments are conducive to teaching and learning. School culture and climate are paramount to a healthy school for all. He has been involved in training teachers statewide in several capacities over the past fifteen years. Tim was awarded New Haven Teacher of the Year in 2015 demonstrating his commitment to his students and district.
Kirsten Hopes-McFadden is an 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher at the Engineering Science University Magnet School (ESUMS). She is a union steward, the Vice-President of Middle Schools for the union’s Executive Board and a union delegate. She is co-chair of the Working Conditions Committee and has interest in many more committees. She is deeply concerned about teacher morale and the lack of respect teachers are receiving as professionals. She seeks to change that and stem the exodus of teachers leaving NHPS and the profession all together. Kirsten, who was known by her middle name, Celeste, during her childhood has a strong connection to NHPS as her mother and late aunt are retired teachers of NHPS. And Celeste is a proud graduate of James Hillhouse High School. Finally, both of her children are graduates of (ESUMS).