ABOUT EILEEN

Eileen Strange, a 7^th grade Latin and Study Skills teacher at the Hopkins School, is an accomplished teacher who has devoted her life to educating our children. She received a BA cum laude in Classics from the College of New Rochelle and an MA in Classical Studies Boston University.  She has since spent over 20 years in the classroom including a term as Language Department Head. She also coached Volleyball, Cheerleading and Tennis and advised the school newspaper and the Latin Club. Accomplished in her field, Eileen has given numerous workshops and papers, as well as publishing papers and essays and serving as an editor for a professional newsletter. She served as a consultant for the AP Latin Exam, a NEASC accreditation evaluator and was awarded a number of fellowship awards for further academic study. She has been named to “Who’s Who among American Teachers” every year since 2002. This award is received by nomination by students named to Who’s Who Among American High School students.

Eileen and her husband, a Latin teacher at Masuk HS, have a 9 year old daughter who attends Gainfield Elementary School.

Eileen's Volunteer and  Community Involvement:

Gainfield Elementary School

• BOE liaison 2006 – present
• Media Center volunteer 2005- present
• PTO Secretary 2005-2006
• Computer Class volunteer 2004-2006
• Numerous student and fund-raising events

Sacred Heart Church

• Chaperone, Mission Trip 2007
• Eucharistic Minister, 2007 - present
• Minister, Grades 1-3, 2007 – present
• Design Team, GIFT, 2006-2007

For a Better Southbury

As a 20-year veteran of the classroom, I have seen enormous changes in curriculum content, teaching strategies and technology. When we moved to Southbury, I was very pleased to discover that Region 15 was at the forefront of modern education. Pomperaug High School compares very favorably with other schools in our area. As an independent school teacher who was insulated from state and federal requirements, I was amazed to discover the intense external pressure on the Region to meet the needs of students for both their personal benefit and in accordance with these regulations.

I found the condition of the infrastructure, particularly at Gainfield, to be appalling and have been glad to see that the superintendent and BOE have finally begun to address these issues. Rectifying weaknesses in the physical plant must continue, balancing the health and safety of the children with the fiscal pressure on the taxpayer. As a parent advocate for the children of Gainfield, I have asked for nothing more than a safe and healthy environment in which my child can thrive. As a BOE member, I would continue to do the same for all children in all schools in the Region.

The function of public education is to educate an informed citizenry, ready to take on the challenges of life in the global economy, an ever-changing technological world and the political and social future of our country. The children of Region 15 are poised to become future leaders in our towns, state and world. Our investment in their future ensures a better world in which we all may live.

The word “community” is built from the Latin word “munire” (to build) and the prefix “com” (together). Let’s build together a better community for us all by continuing the excellent standards already in place in Region 15. To undercut these standards at this critical time in our national and global history would be to fail to meet our responsibility as citizens. The challenges are many to creatively follow this course without over-burdening the taxpayers of the town, but I believe that my experience in creatively dealing with the ever-changing face of education and to evaluate proposed changes critically and thoughtfully will greatly benefit this community.

To view a copy of Eileen's campaign brochure click here.