Brianna Bobo, 2024 Alma Exley Scholar, recently shared her experiences as a first-year teacher with aspiring teachers from Conard and Hall high schools in her hometown of West Hartford.

Ms. Bobo, a social studies teacher at Sedgwick Middle School in West Hartford, spoke to students in the Future Educators of Diversity (FEOD) program. An alumna of FEOD, she described the impact the program had on her and the impact she can have on her students.

Brianna Bobo addresses students.

West Hartford Public Schools maintains partnerships with Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) and the University of Connecticut as part of the district’s “Grow Your Own” teacher-development initiative.

This year, 12 students from Conard and Hall were formally recognized and “pinned,” signifying their commitment to careers in education or service-related fields. With more than 40 students now involved districtwide, the program continues to grow in size and impact.

Jamahl Hines addresses students.

Jamahl Hines, former Conard High School principal, established the FEOD program about six years ago. He continues to support the program in his current role as special assistant to the provost at CCSU.

FEOD functions as both a student leadership initiative and a strategic effort to cultivate a diverse, future-ready teaching workforce. The program supports students from elementary schools through high school, sparking early interest in education and fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. With mentorship, leadership development, and intentional pathways to higher education, FEOD equips students with the tools they need to succeed in teacher preparation programs and beyond.

Editor’s note: This event was first reported in We-Ha.com, the online newsletter about happenings in West Hartford.

(Photos by Ronni Newton, We-Ha.com)