The Connecticut Education Association (CEA) was formed in 1848 when 80 teachers met in Meriden. Their objective: organize teachers for the improvement of the profession and local public schools.

Today, CEA is headquartered in Hartford with a membership of more than 43,000. CEA members include K-12 teachers in Connecticut public schools as well as retired teachers and college students preparing to become teachers.

Since its founding more than 160 years ago, CEA has been a grassroots organization that is a strong and effective champion for teachers and public schools. CEA lobbies for pro-education legislation at the state and federal levels, advances and protects the rights of teachers at the bargaining table, and works with state policymakers to continue to elevate the teaching profession and promote public education.