Christine Carver ’91 (ED), ’97 MA, ’09 Ed.D., superintendent of Bethel Public Schools for the past 10 years, has always had a passion for teaching, learning, and ensuring that students are prepared for their next steps in life. That passion led her to be named the 2025 Superintendent of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS). In a ceremony held at the annual CAPSS convention in November, Carver was celebrated for her dedication to education, innovative leadership, and commitment to student success.

“This recognition reflects the collaborative efforts and dedication of our entire school community, ” Carver said in her acceptance speech. “It is a privilege to work alongside such committed educators, support staff, families, and community members who put our students first every day.”

This is the second year in a row that a UConn Neag School of Education alum has been named the state’s superintendent of the year. Joseph Macary ’94 (CLAS), ’05 ELP, ’16 Ed.D. received the recognition in 2024.

Carver’s path to this prestigious honor began months ago with a nomination process initiated by CAPSS. The rigorous application process included submitting detailed responses to questions about her leadership philosophy and accomplishments and creating a short video explaining why she was deserving of the award. A committee of former superintendents and education leaders reviewed applications, selecting finalists based on their commitment to excellence and impact on their districts.

“I was humbled to be nominated, let alone selected, ” Carver says. “There are so many deserving superintendents across the state. It’s an honor to represent our shared mission to improve education for all students. ”

Carver earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from UConn’s Neag School of Education, where she says the quality of the preparation programs played a significant role in shaping her approach to leadership.

“UConn has always been at the forefront of educational preparation,” Carver says. “I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible mentors and peers throughout my career, many of whom went through these programs with me.”

UConn has always been at the forefront of educational preparation. I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible mentors and peers throughout my career, many of whom went through these programs with me. — Christine Carver ’91 (ED), ’97 MA, ’09 Ed.D.

“Dr. Carver has been a leader in Connecticut on several fronts, including developing innovative policies and practices that enhance the student experience,” says Casey Cobb, the Neag Endowed Professor of Educational Policy and director of the Neag School’s Ed.D. program. “For instance, she is enacting a vision to promote 21st-century skills, such as student creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration. She initiated a standards-based grading system and established Career Pathways in her home district of Bethel Public Schools.”

“She’s a past president of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents and has always been a strong advocate for students and families,” Cobb says.

Carver began her education career as a special education teacher. During her childhood in Connecticut, her parents adopted two children with disabilities.

“This began my experience and interest in providing high-quality educational programs for students with disabilities,” Carver says. “In college, I worked in a group home for adults with intellectual disabilities. This all contributed to my desire to support students with disabilities.”

Carver was also asked to serve on a Connecticut legislative task force based on her experiences in special education.

“It was an honor to be part of committees that formulated policy on the assessment and programmatic needs of students with disabilities,” she says.

She did not plan to go into education administration. Initially, she wanted to receive her department chair certification. As she became more involved with the positions she served in, she wanted to impact larger groups of students.

Since becoming superintendent of Bethel Public Schools, Carver has been a driving force behind initiatives that prioritize student outcomes and foster community engagement. Under her leadership, the district has embraced a culture of continuous improvement, a philosophy reflected in their motto, “work hard, play hard.”

“Our administrative team is focused on growth and high expectations, but we also emphasize creating a culture of joy, risk-taking, and support,” Carver says. “It’s through collective leadership that we’ve been able to improve outcomes for the children of Bethel.”

Carver attributes much of her success to the strong collaboration between the Bethel Board of Education and her administration. She believes effective governance is the cornerstone of student success.

“When the Board of Education and superintendent work in partnership, they bring together unique perspectives to establish a unified vision,” she explains. “This synergy enables clear communication, well-informed decision-making, and resource allocation, which directly benefits our students.”

Carver acknowledged that the role of a superintendent has its challenges, however. From budget constraints to advocating for resources at the state level, navigating the complexities of public education requires resilience and determination. Carver emphasized the importance of addressing funding inequities, particularly in special education, which she says have a ripple effect on regular education programs.

Being a superintendent isn’t just about managing the present. It’s about inspiring hope and confidence in the future. — Christine Carver ’91 (ED), ’97 MA, ’09 Ed.D.

“We’ve been underfunded in special education for years, which impacts our ability to meet the needs of all students,” she says. “Advocacy at the state level is crucial for ensuring equitable resources.”

Carver credited her colleagues and mentors for helping her navigate the demands of the superintendency, describing the role as both challenging and rewarding.

“As Joe Macary, the 2024 Superintendent of the Year, noted, this job can feel lonely,” Carver said in her acceptance speech. “But it’s the strength, friendship, and support from colleagues that get us through both the good and rough times.”

As Superintendent of the Year, Carver anticipates additional opportunities to advocate for public education and share her insights with others.

“Being a superintendent isn’t just about managing the present,” Carver says. “It’s about inspiring hope and confidence in the future. Every decision we make can potentially improve student outcomes, empower educators, and build stronger communities.”

Carver’s recognition as Superintendent of the Year is a testament to her unwavering dedication to education and her community. As she continues to lead Bethel Public Schools, she remains focused on fostering a supportive environment where students thrive, educators feel valued, and families are engaged.

“Together, we have navigated challenges, celebrated successes, and kept our focus on building a brighter future for every child,” Carver says. “I am profoundly grateful for this award and for the opportunity to make a difference every day.”

To learn more about UConn Neag School of Education’s Ed.D. in Educational Leadership Program, visit edlead.education.uconn.edu.