To the Editor:
Hello. My name is Jerry Stevens, and I am seeking reelection as a Democratic member of the Monroe Board of Education.
Living in Monroe my entire life, I have been deeply involved with our school system for 56 years; 12 years from my childhood education as a student, and the 34 years that I had the pleasure of being a Technology Education teacher in Monroe. The last 10 years I have served on our Board of Education.
These years spent immersed in Monroe Public schools have afforded me a wealth of direct experiences with our community, parents, students and staff.
With this background, I bring a unique perspective to issues presented to the board. My direct knowledge of how the decisions made may impact students and staff on a practical level allows for constructive discussions at the Board level.
I hold three teaching degrees: Bachelors in Industrial Arts/Technology Education, Masters in Counseling, and a 6th Year in Educational Leadership. My educational background, along with teaching over 20,000 of our incredible Monroe students, has permitted me to develop many important life skills including: educator, problem-solver, listener and a sense of humor.
Throughout my 10 years on the Board of Education, I have applied these skills as an active participant in subcommittees including: union negotiations, school calendar, interview and hiring of administrative positions, building facilities AD Hoc, and a long serving member of the policy committee.
Throughout my teaching career, I received many recognitions: 2002 Connecticut Technology Education Program of the Year, 2006 Monroe Teacher of the Year, 2007 Connecticut Technology Education Teacher of the Year. I have also served on many local and State committees:
- Thirty-plus years as an executive member of the Connecticut Technology Education/Engineering Association, serving as its president for 10 years
- Co-authored State Technology Education Standards
- Served on Monroe’s STEM Committee
- Appointed to the State STEM Committee
- Appointed in 2014 to Monroe’s Economic Development Commission
- Elected to the Monroe Board of Education, serving from 2015 to present
As a retired teacher since 2013, my dedication to Monroe students is the reason for serving on this board. The education and safety of our students and staff is paramount. Our town needs a strategic plan for the future of our school facilities and enrollment now.
As previously stated, I serve on the Board of Education Ad hoc Facility sub-committee. It is my intention to champion proposals and plans that meet the needs of our community and students in a fiscally responsible manner.
Any issues relevant to student/staff health, safety and learning are of concern to me. I will continue to champion causes with robust discussion to ensure our town delivers the exemplary education for which we are known.
Your continued support and vote are greatly appreciated.
Respectfully,
Jerry Stevens
All respectful comments with the commenter’s first and last name are welcome.
