I am a living testament to the power of public schools.
 
I attended Waterbury Public Schools from K-12, and since then I have gone on to study and graduate from two Ivy-League Institutions. I believe that education is the single most important tool for social change. The type of education that truly inspires and equips an individual to contribute meaningfully to society, and overcome even the most disparaging circumstances, requires critical thinking and acute awareness of the world. This kind of learning breeds hope and visionary thinking. As a young black woman who was educated in Connecticut public schools, I feel there is no better way to give back to my community than to protect and expand high quality educational opportunities for the next generation. 
 
As state director for the Connecticut Black Alliance for Educational Options (CT BAEO), I am the youngest individual in the history of this organization to assume leadership of a state-level mobilization effort—but I am thrilled at the opportunity to engage fully in work that I believe will have a transformative impact on the lives of thousands of children and families across my home state. I am humbled and honored to join the ranks of countless other inspirational leaders who are already doing critically necessary work. At the same time, I recognize that there are still far too few leaders of color from my generation in this field. I am deeply appreciative that I have been able to answer this call and intend to remain committed to the cause of education as social empowerment.

What was your first taste as an advocate?
 
Marianna Kulak McCall: Over the last decade I’ve worked with Save the Children, in Westport, focusing on humanitarian response in disasters. And I’ve seen how education is a lifeline for children. Children living through unimaginable chaos and dev- astation, nonetheless retain their need to learn and develop. And it’s up to the adults to meet that most basic human need. If we create the right learning environment, children thrive.
Laurie McTeague: I went to law school with the intent to focus on public interest work, but took a more traditional path after graduation. Then, in the first days of 2008, I started volunteering for the Obama campaign. Before I knew it, I was the volunteer field organizer for seven towns in Fairfield County! I found it very gratifying to help people understand and communicate about the issues at hand, and to empower them to shape their community and their political world.
 
What are your ties to Connecticut and what do you love about the Nutmeg State?
MKM: I grew up in New Britain, Connecticut in a wonderful community of Polish immigrants. Much of my family still lives here. I have lived in many places, but I’m so glad to have settled back here in Connecticut.
LM: I moved to CT almost 10 years ago and my three children were born here, so our roots are now deep. I love that the relatively small size of CT allows people to step up and take owner- ship of issues that concern them.
 
How has education impacted your own life or those around you?
MKM: As first generation Americans, education gave my brothers and me the opportunity to grow and develop and join our community as productive and engaged citizens.
LM: In the rural New York town where I grew up, obtaining a good education is key in determining the range of economic opportunities and life experiences a person will have. As I watch my own children now, I see how they blossom when their capabilities and their love of learning are nurtured. I know this will open doors for them in the future... while their peers who don’t receive a good education will find those doors closed.
 
Why the focus on education reform?
LM: As the mothers of young children, we know first-hand that EVERY child has the potential to succeed. It is the adults’ job is to provide them the tools and the environment in which they can reach that potential. In CT, we simply are not doing that. That is irresponsible AND unsustainable... none of us can afford to live in a state that is failing to create educated and productive citizens. Also, this is an unprecedented time in history for education reform! The Obama administration’s Race to the Top challenge has done more to advance education reform in the last several months than have other reform efforts over the last decade. As proud Nutmeggers, we think that our state can rise to the occasion and win this race for our children.
 
How did you find out about ConnCAN?
MKM: ConnCAN has built a national reputation in the education debate as a leader in putting children’s needs first. We are very lucky to have their focus and energy directed on this problem in our state.
LM: A friend brought me to ConnCAN to learn and be inspired. I think that’s typical of how ConnCAN has built this movement... reaching out to individuals through individuals to make this a personal mission.
 
Tell us about the video you produced.
MKM: We just couldn’t believe how many residents do not realize that Connecticut has the largest achievement gap in the nation. There are so many things to be proud of in our state, but there is simply no excuse for being dead last in the country with our achievement gap. So we thought it would be illuminating to have the kids talk about the state and give their perspective on living and learning in Connecticut. We hope that by having the children speak, the adults will be moved to action on their behalf.
 
What do you think regular citizens can do about our achievement gap?
MKM: I was talking to someone about the achievement gap the other day, and he said: “I’d like to help educate kids, but I don’t write big checks.” “That’s Ok,” I said, “do you write letters? Can you make phone calls?” He smiled, and I knew we had another education advocate in Connecticut.
LM: The best thing people can do is LEARN and join the conver- sation. When people start telling each other... and their legislators... that our current system is unacceptable and unsustainable, we will reshape expectations and results. In a small state like CT, a limited investment of time and energy can make a big impact.
 
What would Connecticut be like if there was no achievement gap?
MKM: We would have tens of thousands more young adults entering our economy ready to help propel our state and our country into a bright new century.
LM: We would be a shining example to the rest of the country about how it is possible to educate ALL children fairly and effectively.