Mission: To promote equity and excellence in education for all students throughout Connecticut.
Background: SERC is a nonprofit organization established in 1969 by state statute as the Special Education Resource Center. SERC became the State Education Resource Center a few years ago, and SERC’s initiatives have evolved from resources primarily for special educators to resources for all Connecticut educators, education administrators, other social services professionals, and families. Â
About our programs: SERC provides professional development and information dissemination to educators, administrators, service providers, families, and students through statewide conferences and workshops, on-site technical assistance, and an education library. SERC initiatives cover areas such as special education, early childhood education, math and science, English Language Learners, diversity, partnerships with families and education technology. In recent years, SERC’s district, school and program-based activities have expanded, providing more on-site training, technical assistance, consultation and group facilitation to school and program personnel working to meet the challenges of increasingly diverse student populations.Â
SERC’s signature issue is closing Connecticut’s racial achievement gaps, which are the largest in the nation. Many students do not reach their full potential because they feel disengaged. This can be attributed to the absence of a culturally relevant curriculum and the lack of communication between educators and students and families. With this in mind, SERC offers programs and workshops for youth and families as well as for educators. SERC strives to reduce disparities in student achievement by promoting high expectation and educational best practices that meet the needs of the next generation of learners.
SERC is a member of the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits.
Major Fundraiser: SERC is funded largely by the Connecticut State Department of Education, but also seeks grant opportunities in order to continue and expand its work on behalf of Connecticut students.
Volunteer Needs: SERC offers many internships. It encourages participation in its youth programs. SERC also produces a monthly public access television program that covers a litany of education topics and welcomes special guests.
Leadership: SERC values shared leadership which generates individual and collective decision-making, risk-taking and initiative.
Contact Information:
Marianne Kirner, Ph.D., Executive Director
SERC
25 Industrial Park Road, Middletown, CT 06457
860-632-1485
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