Connecticut Public Act No. 19-12

An Act Concerning the Inclusion of Black and Latino Studies in the Public School Curriculum

The Advisory Group is made up of stakeholders who, from the moment the legislation was signed into law, reached out to SERC to offer their support in the development of the course of studies. Members include educators, administrators, higher education professors and scholars, researchers and historians, representatives from education and community organizations, and students and families. In leading the development of the course, the Advisory Group (of almost 150 members) will organize into nine committees to engage in different aspects of the work and gather six times as a large group to provide guidance and feedback. The Advisory Group is vital to ensuring the creation of Connecticut’s Black and Latino Course of Studies reflects the spirit of the legislation.

Advisory Group Workplan and Timeline

Meeting Downloads

Advisory Group Members

(Updated 11/06/20, click headers to sort)

Last Name First Name Position Organization Category Committee/Role
Addams David Executive Director William C. Graustein Memorial Fund Community Organizations  
Armstrong Stephen Social Studies, K-12 CSDE SDE Representatives African American/Black Content Development
Bailey Beryl Irene CEO/Education Consultant From Pages to Pedagogy, LLC Community Organizations  
Balkaran Stephen Author, Department of Philosophy Central Connecticut State University Public Universities African American/Black Content Development
Barber Jim Director of Community Engagement Southern Connecticut State University Public Universities  
Batista Ana Educator/CEA Member Bridgeport Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators   
Bertolino, Ed.D Joe President Southern Connecticut State University Public Universities  
Best Dr. Felton Director of African American Studies Central Connecticut State University Public Universities African American/Black Content Development
Blitzer Jessica Social Studies Department Supervisor West Hartford Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Integration of Content and Assessment
Bodnar Kimberly Social Studies Department Chair New Britain Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators   
Bolton Dolores Retired Educator Bloomfield Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Integration of Content and Assessment
Bonet-Ojeda Daniel Assistant Principal New Haven Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Puerto Rican/Latino Content Development
Brackeen Harris Dr. Martha Professor University of Hartford Public Universities Professional Learning Plan
Braginsky Nataliya African American Studies/Social Studies  New Haven Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Course Syllabus
Broadie II Paul President Gateway Community College and Housatonic Community College Public Universities  
Brown Foster Dr. Walton Professor Central Connecticut State University Public Universities Professional Learning Plan
Broyld Daniel Professor Central Connecticut State University Public Universities Infrastructure Supports
Burckardt Jennifer Assistant to President University of Connecticut Public Universities  
Burfoot Laura Admin Director, Hearing Youth Voices Hearing Youth Voices Community Organizations  
Burton Katie k-12 program manager Stowe Center Community Organizations Professional Learning Plan
Cajigas  Heriberto    CT Department of Labor OWC Team Community Organizations Puerto Rican/Latino Content Development
Calvi-Rogers Dr. Marisa  Educator   HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Professional Learning Plan
Candelaria Juan State Representative Education Committee Legislators  
Canton Dr. David History Professor Connecticut College Public Universities African American/Black Content Development
Carroll Teresa Professional Learning Facilitator CAPSS Education Organizations Professional Learning Plan
Casey Doug Executive Director CT Commission for Educational Technology Education Organizations Publication and Dissemination
Castillo Addys   City-Wide Youth Coalition Community Organizations Course Syllabus
Cenabre Marco High School Educator/Part Time Content Director New Haven and Teach for America CT HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Integration of Content and Assessment
Chapman Stephanie Grace Intern and Youth Member Metropolitan Business Academy/SEJ HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Focus Groups
Clark Sandra History and SS Department Chair New Haven Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Infrastructure Supports
Clark, Ed.D John Dr. President Western Connecticut State University Public Universities  
Clayton Latoya President AFCAMP Community Organizations  
Close Dr. Stacey Associate Provost/VP for Equity and Diversity Eastern Connecticut State University Public Universities African American/Black Content Development
Cloud Diane B. Retired Admin/Farmington Public Schools Farmington Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Course Syllabus
Cocco de Philippis,Ph.D Daisy President Naugatuck Valley Community College Public Universities  
Culliton Dennis Co-Founder Witness Stones Community Organizations African American/Black Content Development
Danehy, Ed.D. Thomas Executive Director ACES Education Organizations  
Darcy Linda Education Specialist CREC Education Organizations  
DeVonish, Esq. Cheryl President Norwalk Community College Public Universities  
Dumais Dr. Charles Executive Director CES Education Organizations  
Ericson Katherine Executive Director LEARN Education Organizations  
Etienne Ivana Youth Leader Hearing Youth Voices Community Organizations  
Falcone Bryan Principal, Coginchaug HS Regional School District 13 HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators   
Fergus, Ph.D. Edward Associate Professor Temple University Public Universities  
Fiano, Ph.D. Darcy Supervisor of Literacy and Humanities CTECS HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Research and Evaluation/Infrastructure Supports
Flanders John Executive Director CPAC Community Organizations  
Fletcher Khary Director of Humanities Hartford Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators   
Florio, Ed.D. Greg Executive Director CREC Education Organizations  
Foster Ben Executive Director Central Connecticut State University Public Universities African American/Black Content Development
Gabriel Dexter Africana Studies Institute and History Department University of Connecticut Public Universities  
Gamble Chris Teacher Waterford Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators   
Geary Meghan Teacher of the Year Regional School District 16 HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  African American/Black Content Development
Gebelein Anne Professor, Latin American and Latino Studies University of Connecticut Public Universities Course Syllabus
Gervais Kate Executive Director RE-Center Community Organizations  
Gibson Bobby State Representative Education Committee Legislators Focus Groups
Gonzalez Dr. Jose Professor United States Coast Guard Academy Education Organizations  
Gordon Subira Executive Director ConnCAN Education Organizations African American/Black Content Development
Greenfield Briann Executive Director Stowe Center Community Organizations  
Harris Donald Board Member CABE Education Organizations African American/Black Content Development
Harris Veda Social Studies Supervisor Waterbury Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Research and Evaluation
Harris, Ed.D G. Duncan Chief Executive Officer Capital Community College Public Universities  
Heikkila-Diaz Jennifer Managing Director Teach for America - CT Community Organizations Focus Groups
Hickey Melissa Reading/Literacy Director CSDE SDE Representatives  
Hickinson Fana Teacher New Haven Academy HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Course Syllabus
Hochadel Jan Vice President AFT Education Organizations  
Hope Kelly Teacher New Haven Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Publication and Dissemination
Hotchkiss Craig Educational Director Mark Twain House Community Organizations  
Hufnagel Amy Director of Programs & Visitor Experience Stowe Center Community Organizations Professional Learning Plan
Irizarry Guillermo Puerto Rican/Latino(a) Studies University of Connecticut Public Universities Puerto Rican/Latino Content Development
Irizarry Jason Associate Professor, Department of Education University of Connecticut Public Universities  
Johnson Billy Director of Educational Strategy William C. Graustein Memorial Fund Community Organizations Focus Groups
Jordan Jean Public Historian CT NAACP Community Organizations Focus Groups
Joyner Dr. Edward Retired Professor School Board Member New Haven Board of Education HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  African American/Black Content Development
Jukoski, Ed.D Maryellen President Three Rivers Community College Public Universities  
Katsouleas, Ph.D. Thomas President University of Connecticut Public Universities  
Kimball David Principal Avon Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Focus Groups
Kitching, Ed.D Jeffrey Executive Director Ed Advance Education Organizations  
Klonoski Ed President Charter Oak State College Public Universities  
Krieble Helen President of VK Krieble Foundation VK Krieble Foundation Community Organizations African American/Black Content Development
Labas Gladys Director of Equity and Language CSDE SDE Representatives Puerto Rican/Latino Content Development
Lanier Tamara Public Historian CT NAACP Community Organizations Focus Groups
Lawrence LeTanya Consultant SERC   Education Organizations African American/Black Content Development
Leach Warren Community Organizer The Ungroup Society, Waterbury Community Organizations Publication and Dissemination
Leake Jeff Executive Director CEA Education Organizations  
Lemons Richard Executive Director CT Center for School Change Education Organizations  
Lombella, Ed.D James President Region Two Community Colleges, Asnuntuck, Naugatuck, Northwestern, and Tunxis Community College Public Universities  
Loughman Thomas Director/CEO Wadsworth/ Amistad Museum Community Organizations  
Lungarini Glenn Executive Director CAS Education Organizations Professional Learning Plan
Mala Gary Executive Director EASTCONN Education Organizations  
Mancini Dr. Jason Executive Director CT Humanities Community Organizations African American/Black Content Development
Mancini Elizabeth Social Studies Department Chair Middletown Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Course Syllabus
Marimon Shannon Executive Director CCER Community Organizations Professional Learning Plan
Masters Andrew Department Chairperson East Windsor Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators   
McCann Stacey   Bloomfield Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Professional Learning Plan
McCollum Rashanda Executive Director Students for Educational Justice Community Organizations African American/Black Content Development
McCrory Douglas Senator Co-Chair Education Committee Legislators  
McKay Sheila Sr. Staff Associate for Government Relations CABE Education Organizations  
Mendez Caprice Strategic Program Manager The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven Community Organizations  
Moger Alison Principal Waterford Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators   
Moran John Legislative Staff – Office of Legislative Research OLR/Education Committee Legislators  
Morris Shanelle Organizer Grow Hartford Community Organizations  
Negrón, Ed.D. Madeline Executive Director CALAS Education Organizations  
Normen Elizabeth Publisher CT Explored Community Organizations Professional Learning Plan
Nunez, Ed.D Elsa President Eastern Connecticut State University Public Universities  
Nunnally Shayla Political Science/African Studies Professor University of Connecticut Public Universities Course Syllabus
Ogbar Dr. Jeffrey   University of Connecticut Public Universities  
Olivere Lisa Social Studies Department Chair Regional School District 16 HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators   
Overmyer-Velazquez Mark Professor and Director, Hartford Campus, History Department University of Connecticut Public Universities  
Pappademos Melina Director, Africana Studies Institute University of Connecticut Public Universities  
Paska, Ph.D. Larry Executive Director CT Social Studies Council Education Organizations  
Peterkin Novelette Chief Executive Officer Carver Community Center Community Organizations  
Poller Elyse President CT Council for the Social Studies Education Organizations  
Powers Craig Assistant Superintendent Waterford Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators   
Quinones Dr. Agnes Education Consultant and SERC Board Member CSDE Education Organizations Puerto Rican/Latino Content Development
Rabinowitz Fran Executive Director CAPSS Education Organizations  
Rader Robert Executive Director CABE Education Organizations  
Reyes Daniel Executive Director Junta for Progressive Action Community Organizations  
Rivera Elmer Executive Director Vice-President CT Puerto Rican Agenda Casa Otonal Community Organizations  
Rodriguez Yadiel Student University of Connecticut Public Universities Puerto Rican/Latino Content Development
Romeo-Rivers Vonetta Board Member- Education Committee Amistad Community Organizations Focus Groups
Roy Anthony Social Studies Teacher LEARN Education Organizations Integration of Content and Assessment
Russell Leah Videographer/Recorder Wheel to Sea Productions Community Organizations  
Sacco Abbey Social Studies Department Chair Bolton Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Research and Evaluation
Samuel Gwen Founder CT Parents Union Community Organizations African American/Black Content Development
Sanchez Robert State Representative Co-Chair Education Committee Legislators  
Santiago Hilda State Representative State of Connecticut Legislators  
Schwartz Darren Chief Academic Officer Waterbury Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators   
Shafer Julian Social Studies Teacher Danbury High School HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Integration of Content and Assessment
Sheppard Maya Organizing Director Hearing Youth Voices Community Organizations  
Simmons Wendy Executive Director New Haven Children’s Ideal Learning District (NHChILD) Community Organizations  
Slogesky Sara K-12 Social Studies Curriculum Specialist South Windsor Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Course Syllabus
Smith Chris Rome, Smith, Lutz – Government Relations CAPSS & RESC Alliance Education Organizations  
Smith, JD, MDA Ann Executive Director AFCAMP Community Organizations  
Snow Nate Executive Director Teach for America Community Organizations  
Solis Adrian Social Studies Instructor   Henry Abbott Technical High School HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Puerto Rican/Latino Content Development
Sosa Vanessa Assistant Principal Bullard Havens Technical High School  HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Puerto Rican/Latino Content Development
Stefon Laura Chief of Staff, Legislative Liaison CSDE SDE Representatives  
Steinmetz, Ed.D. Dr. Rob President Region One Community Colleges, Capitol, Manchester, Middlesex, three Rivers, Quinebaug Community College Public Universities  
Swan Thomas Board Member SERC Board of Directors Education Organizations  
Thompson Dr. James   Bloomfield Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators  Focus Groups
Thurston Thomas Director of Education Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition at Yale Public Universities Puerto Rican/Latino Content Development
Toro, Ph.D. Zulma R. President Central Connecticut State University Public Universities  
Torre Dr. Carlos Professor of Education SCSU and Yale Public Universities Puerto Rican/Latino Content Development
Traverso Gil     Community Organizations Professional Learning Plan
Tully John Chair, History Department Central Connecticut State University Public Universities Professional Learning Plan
Venator Charles Associate of Professor, Political Science University of Connecticut Public Universities  
Vernal Fiona Professor, Africana Studies University of Connecticut               Course Syllabus
Walden Ruth-Terry Educator Stamford Public Schools HS Curriculum Coordinators/Educators   
Whiting Jacquelyn Technology Integration Specialist CES Education Organizations Integration of Content and Assessment
Yancy Brittney Assistant Professor of Humanities Goodwin College Public Universities