LEARN

10/07/2026

What does Project-Based Learning actually look like? Our 5th graders at RMMS- Regional Multicultural Magnet School are showing us! 💫

Project-Based Learning (PBL) means students learn by tackling a real-world question or problem over time, instead of only reading about a topic and taking a test. Kids ask questions, do research, work together, and create something meaningful with what they’ve learned. 🍎

Right now, our students are investigating how local landscape has changed. They’re researching the native plants and animals that call our area home, looking at the environment from different points of view, and connecting what they learn to their own community. 🌱

Next, they’ll pick a real environmental challenge and design a solution. Along the way, they’re building skills like critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving that they’ll use long after 5th grade.

Throughout LEARN’s Family of Schools, we believe students learn best when their learning matters. Hands-on, community-connected projects like this help students discover their strengths, follow their curiosity, and build the confidence to pursue whatever future they dream of. 💙

10/06/2026

At Creating Connections Early LEARNing Center in Waterford, small moments matter most. With small groups and a 1:4 teacher-to-child ratio, our team truly gets to know each child, just like family.

We’re looking for a Head Teacher to help lead that work for our youngest learners, ages 8 weeks to 3 years. You’ll shape play-based learning that sparks curiosity, mentor a caring team, and partner with families to give each child individualized, dependable care in a safe and nurturing space.

🍎You’ll bring:

• ECE certification/Special Education or ECTC (Bachelor’s level), or a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education
• 3-5 years of early childhood experience
• A heart for leading, mentoring, and connecting with families

We’ll bring a supportive, mission-driven team, plus benefits like mentorship opportunities and continuous learning. 💙

Learn more and apply today: https://www.applitrack.com/learn/onlineapp/

10/01/2026

Regional cooperation is delivering real results for southeastern Connecticut.

In a new CT Mirror opinion piece, LEARN Executive Director Kate Ericson shares how school districts across our region are working together through Regional Shared Service Solutions, expanding access to specialized expertise, strengthening operations, and creating efficiencies while maintaining local decision-making.
In its first year, 14 school districts participated in one or more shared service areas, with more than $325,000 in expected collective savings.

The results demonstrate what is possible when districts identify opportunities to work regionally while keeping the needs of their own students, staff, and communities at the center.

Read the full piece in the CT Mirror: https://ctmirror.org/2026/09/30/regional-cooperation-is-delivering-real-results-for-southeastern-connecticut/

Not every school district needs to build and maintain every operational function on its own. Sometimes, the better answer is to share.

09/30/2026

Connect, collaborate, and stay current all year long. LEARN’s 2026-2027 Roundtables are here.

Our roundtables bring educators and school leaders from across the region together to share what’s working, solve problems side by side, and hear the latest from the state and the field. This year’s lineup includes:

✔ Multilingual Learner (ML) Roundtable, with EASTCONN
✔ Elementary ELA Roundtable
✔ Elementary Principals Roundtable
✔ Middle School Principals and Assistant Principals Roundtable
✔ High School and Middle School Counselors Roundtable
✔ Early Childhood Education Roundtable
✔ Connecticut State Curriculum Council

The first sessions begin next week. See dates and register: https://catalog.protraxx.com/ClassCatalog?CustomerID=255

09/29/2026

LEARN and our RESC Alliance partners at ACES were busy on Capitol Hill last week!

Our teams traveled to Washington, D.C. together to advocate for the students, families, and educators served by Connecticut’s Regional Educational Service Centers. From meetings with lawmakers to conversations about the programs and resources our communities count on, we made sure Connecticut’s voice was heard.

09/24/2026

Great things are happening in early childhood education across our region!

Kelly Davis, Local Governance Partner (LGP) Liaison with LEARN's Early Childhood Education department, works directly with Guilford Center for Children and other Early Start CT programs, providing ongoing connection, support, and technical assistance around program quality, community needs, and Early Start CT implementation.

Recently, Kelly joined Guilford Center for Children during a visit from Governor Ned Lamont, which highlighted the center as one of the state's newer Early Start CT-funded programs. It was a wonderful chance to see a community partner's work in action and to continue the behind-the-scenes support that helps early childhood programs grow and meet the needs of children and families.

Thank you to Guilford Center for Children for the important work you do every day!

09/23/2026

Exciting research milestone for LEARN! Sarah Moon, Director of Special Services and LEARN’s SLP team have been partnering with Dr. Doug Peterson and the team at Baylor University on a multi-year study of language and literacy screening assessments including the CUBED, DYMOND, and PEARL. This year, the pilot brought the research team to Marine Science Magnet High School - another big step forward in exploring and putting into practice high-quality, research-based assessment practices. We’re proud to be part of this cutting-edge work and excited about what it means for supporting all our students going forward.

09/22/2026

This is what a growing middle school looks like. 🎮 RMMS Esports has 5th-7th graders showing up twice a week – not just to play, but to problem-solve together, support each other, and build toward something bigger as a team. It’s teamwork and friendship in action, and it’s happening right now at RMMS.

Grades 6-7 applications are still open – come see what your student could be a part of. Apply➡️https://www.rmms.k12.ct.us/admissions

09/18/2026

Please join us in congratulating Elizabeth Ayala of Marine Science Magnet High School, named LEARN Teacher of the Year, and Cynthya Gluck of LEARN, Student Support Services, named LEARN Paraeducator of the Year!🎉

Elizabeth's principal put it best: "She possesses the rare combination of instructional excellence, humility, collaborative leadership, and unwavering advocacy for students that inspires everyone around her to become better." From leading MSMHS's SAT Math Prep Club to mentoring an entirely new generation of teachers, Elizabeth has spent years helping students find confidence in mathematics — and helping her colleagues grow alongside them.

Cynthya's impact shows up in the everyday moments that matter most. As one colleague shared, "she doesn't simply ask 'what is my job?' She asks, 'what do our students need and how can I help?'" She steps into challenging situations without hesitation, supports her colleagues, and provides stability exactly when it's needed.

Two incredible educators, two very different roles, one shared commitment: putting students first. Congratulations, Elizabeth and Cynthya — we are so proud to celebrate you!

09/18/2026

LEARN leaders had the pleasure of touring RMMS- Regional Multicultural Magnet School’s Puentes Program alongside Dr. Daisy Torres from Central Connecticut State University!

In Ms. Kelly’s classroom, middle schoolers are learning social studies entirely in Spanish – building the skills to become bilingual and biliterate by the end of 8th grade. What an incredible opportunity for our students!

Swipe through to see these amazing young learners in action.