Participants react to the RESC Alliance's Igniting Change Conference!

On October 19, nearly 350 educators gathered at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford to participate in the RESC Alliance's inaugural Igniting Change conference. The conference featured welcoming remarks by Connecticut's Commissioner of Education, Dr. Charlene Russell-Tucker, and inspirational keynote addresses by Principal Baruti Kafele and Dr. Richard Milner. Ten breakout sessions were led by local and national presenters on topics related to equity-centered leadership, inclusive school communities, culturally responsive pedagogy, and grading reform. Following the conference, approximately 80 educators from across the state have enrolled in professional learning pathways to deepen their knowledge and understanding of equity-focused practices and to plan for meaningful action in their schools and districts. The spring Igniting Change conference on April 5, also at the Convention Center, promises to be another exciting opportunity for networking and shared learning.

Established in 1980, under Connecticut General Statute 10-66a, EASTCONN is one of Connecticut’s six, public, non-profit, Regional Educational Service Centers. EASTCONN was formed when two small, eastern Connecticut public service agencies merged in order to more effectively provide regional, affordable education programs and services to the region’s smaller, often under-resourced, schools and communities. Initially, EASTCONN started with a small staff, but quickly grew as it demonstrated its expertise across a range of programs and services, including K-12 professional learning, special education, adult education and early childhood. Today, EASTCONN employs more about 670 staff who work in specialties like early childhood, K-12 student programs (magnet high schools, autism, clinical day treatment, psychological-behavioral consultation, related services, transition programs), adult education, employment and training, teaching and learning, organizational support services, technology solutions, and student transportation, among others. Entrepreneurial by design, EASTCONN provides high-quality, competitively priced educational and related services to the 33 towns and 36 school districts in northeastern Connecticut that comprise the EASTCONN region. The agency is governed by a Board of Directors, who are also members of locally elected Boards of Education. Agency funding comes from the fees EASTCONN charges for its programs, schools and services, supplemented by competitively awarded grants and contracts.

EASTCONN's Mission
EASTCONN will initiate, support and facilitate partnerships, collaborations and regional solutions that are responsive to the needs of all learners through exemplary programs, products and services.

EASTCONN's Vision
When the vision of EASTCONN is realized, schools and communities will collaborate effectively to provide opportunities for learners of all ages. All community members will have expanded life choices as a result of higher levels of learning and training.

EASTCONN employees will consistently anticipate and meet the changing needs of schools and communities. As lifelong learners ourselves, we will continually increase our skills, particularly those that contribute to greater teamwork and problem solving.

Open communication and the inclusion of diverse perspectives will drive decision-making, which will be based on the broadest available data. We will be valued for the originality of our leadership and the quality of our service.

Agency Goals
#1 To provide exemplary programs and services for learners, especially those with significant barriers, so each can achieve individual success.

#2 To engage in strategic collaborations that result in positive outcomes for learners.

#3 To enhance the knowledge and skills of educators and the whole community, so they can effect change and facilitate positive outcomes for learners.