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Educators Rising Partner Spotlight: Ms. Carolyn Highsmith
Ms. Carolyn Highsmith is a valued Educators Rising Connecticut partner whose career reflects a deep commitment to education, leadership, and community service. Most recently, she was selected as Waterbury’s African American Mayor for the Day (2026)—an honor recognizing her longstanding impact and leadership within the city.
Ms. Highsmith earned a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she graduated with academic distinction, including Dean’s List honors and recognition in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges. She later completed her Master’s degree in Education at the University of Connecticut, along with additional graduate study at St. Joseph College.
After retiring from the Waterbury School System in 2016, Ms. Highsmith has continued her commitment to learners as a part-time educator with Waterbury Adult Education. Beyond the classroom, she has held leadership roles across numerous professional, civic, and faith-based organizations and has dedicated years of service to Habitat for Humanity projects nationwide.
Ms. Highsmith also served as a judge for the 2026 Connecticut Educators Rising State Conference, bringing her professional insight, leadership experience, and community perspective to support the development of future educators. Partners and professionals like Ms. Highsmith are highly skilled, deeply engaged, and essential to preparing the next generation of Connecticut educators.
Did you know TEACH Connecticut will pay future teachers back up to $100 of their college application costs? Cashing in is easy:
Create your FREE TEACH Connecticut account here: https://ontch.org/CTShapeTheFuture
Apply to the college/university of your choice.
Send any receipts related to applying to an educator prep program by clicking here: https://ontch.org/100BackEdrising
The Connecticut State Department of Education is the administrative arm of the Connecticut State Board of Education.
Through leadership, curriculum, research, planning, evaluation, assessment, data analyses and other assistance, the Department helps to ensure equal opportunity and excellence in education for all Connecticut students.
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The department also works to improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.
CEA Aspiring Educators program offers unique opportunities in professional development, community outreach, leadership, and networking for future teachers all over the state. These opportunities support and supplement a future teacher’s preparation and entry into the teaching profession. Workshops and conferences are offered on a variety of topics.
The Council is commited to the preservation and enhancement of the CT Teacher of the Year Program.
They host experiences such as their Empowered to Lead Symposium and Teacher of the Year Symposium to elevate the education profession by celebrating and recognizing educators.
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Originally the Connecticut State University System, CSCU, is recognized for it's enrollment of 85,000 students programs offering certificates and degrees.
Within the system are programs in the liberal arts, fine arts, sciences, applied fields, and professional disciplines.
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