Commissioner Beth Bye visited UHSSE and had a great talk with students. She shared how she became a leader by following her passion to help children and families. She started as a preschool principal, then joined her town’s school board, and later served in the Connecticut State Senate. Now, she is the Commissioner for Early Childhood.

One exciting fact we learned is that she and her partner, Dr. Tracey Wilson, were the first gay couple to get married in Connecticut. This made students feel like they were talking to someone who helped make history.

Commissioner Bye talked about her work helping young children. She used to visit classrooms and take notes so she could help parents build good routines at home. She also worked on Project Choice, which helps kids from cities go to schools in the suburbs. As a senator, she helped pass gun safety laws after the Sandy Hook tragedy.

She also spoke about a new plan to make preschool free for families in Connecticut who earn under $100,000 a year. Students asked many great questions about her work and her career.

Everyone was very respectful and listened closely. Commissioner Bye took time to answer student questions and gave lots of encouragement. She told us to follow our dreams and stand up for what we believe in.

Her visit was fun, exciting, and full of good advice. We are thankful she came to speak with us!