Leading by Example: Joy Colon on Teaching, Advocacy, and Service

June 11, 2026 - 21:16

Greenwich teacher Joy Colon recently sat down with the CEA podcast to share her journey as a special education educator, her work on the union's REDAC Commission, and the many ways she gives back beyond the classroom. For Colon, teaching is not just a job but a platform for advocacy and community building.

In the conversation, Colon described how her role as a special education teacher shaped her understanding of equity and inclusion. She emphasized that every student deserves a tailored approach to learning, and that requires constant collaboration with families, colleagues, and administrators. Her work on the REDAC Commission, which focuses on racial and educational equity, has allowed her to bring that same mindset to broader policy discussions.

But Colon's service does not stop at school or committee meetings. She is active in local volunteer efforts, mentoring new teachers, and organizing community events. She believes that leading by example means showing up consistently, even when no one is watching. Her message to fellow educators is simple: advocacy starts with small, daily actions.

Colon's story is a reminder that the most impactful leaders are often those who quietly do the work, day after day, with purpose and humility.