Naugatuck Election 2021 Profile: Cara Martini Munro

Naugatuck CT

19 October, 2021

2:21 PM

Description

NAUGATUCK, CT — Election Day is approaching fast, and a number of key positions in Naugatuck will be on the ballot. To help readers make an informed decision on Nov. 2, Patch has reached out to local candidates to share their views on various topics of importance in town. Patch will post these candidate profiles over the next several days, so check back often to see the latest. Democrat Cara Martini Munro, 46, is running for Board of Education in Naugatuck. Occupation: Teacher Family: Nate Munro, husband (former owner of Kids Create on Rubber Ave. and fellow educator)Ruby, 15 (NHS)Nola, 14 (NHS)Evie, 10 (Hillside) Experience: None Family in government: No The single biggest issue in town is ______, and I plan to do this about it: As both a parent and educator, I am extremely concerned about Naugatuck students and schools, post-pandemic. We have a difficult road ahead of us, as we attempt to re-engage learners both socially and academically. First we need to make sure that our students' emotional needs are being met. Allowing teachers time to build strong relationships in the classroom and boosting extra-curricular activities/events would be an affordable way to reach this goal. As for academics, and I recommend acceleration over remediation to make up for lost time in the classroom. Students will need to be assessed regularly and targeted support must be provided to students who are struggling. We will need to keep a close eye on at-risk populations so we can work on closing the achievement gap that exists across our student population. I am a firm believer in educational equity because 'one size fits all' does not work in education. The next 2-3 years will be critical for our students and the Naugatuck Board of Education needs people with the right qualifications for the job. Critical differences between me and my opponents: Although I have a similar platform to some of the candidates running for the Board of Education, I am the only candidate still working in the classroom today. I taught throughout the pandemic and was able to see the struggles of students, parents and teachers, first hand. I worked tirelessly to engage my students while teaching in-person and virtual learners simultaneously. I made assisting families, (especially with technology), one of my top priorities to ensure that my learners were making academic growth despite all the obstacles we faced. In addition to this, I think it's important to make it clear that I highly value diversity, and I understand the importance of creating learning environments where students feel safe, and respected and cherished. This has always been one of my number one goals as an educator and I would bring this vision to my role on the Board of Education. Accomplishments: For the last 20 years, I have dedicated my teaching career to improving urban schools across the country because I believe that EVERY child deserves an excellent education. I've worked in Houston, New Orleans, St. Louis and currently teach in Waterbury. I am NYU graduate and a Teach for America alumna. I hold a Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a 6th Year degree in Remedial Reading and Consulting K-12. I was named Teacher of the Year in two different districts, most recently in 2021. I believe I earned this recent honor specifically for always putting my students first and advocating for them above all else. When it became clear early on last year that things weren't working and my students weren't showing growth, I spoke up and pushed for changes that would positively impact my classroom, and school and district. It is for these reasons that I believe I am up for the challenge of Board of Education and that I would be an excellent addition to the team. Other issues: I am a proud public school teacher with over 20 years of experience. I am dedicated to the achievement of ALL students. I believe that the key to success in our schools post-pandemic will rely on our ability to meet each learner where they are, target their instruction and monitor their progress closely. I look forward to working closely with parents, and teachers and the community. What else would you like voters to know about you? Fourteen years ago my husband and I chose Naugatuck as the place to raise our family because of it's rich diversity, beautiful architecture and hometown feel. It was one if the best decisions we ever made!Now that my children are older, I am ready to get more involved in the community I love. As a concerned parent and dedicated educator, the Board of Education is a perfect fit! If elected, I will always put the needs of students and my community first. I will do my best to listen to all voices so that we can make the best decisions for our children and families. I promise to make myself available to parents, and work respectfully with my fellow board members and think creatively as we problem solve to improve Naugatuck Public Schools. It would be an honor to serve the community of Naugatuck. Vote Cara Martini Munro for Board of Education on November 2!