Patch Candidate Profile: Gabriela Hernandez, Bethel Board Of Education

BETHEL, CT — The 2023 municipal election is heating up in Bethel and there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Bethel Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Educational coach/ consultant Gabriela Hernandez, 39, is running for a seat on the Bethel Board of Education as a Democrat. She holds an M.Ed in early childhood education (preK-2) / students with or without disabilities from Lesley University, and a BA in sociology and anthropology from Fairfield University, with a minor in Latin American studies. She has lived with her husband in Bethel for five years.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Sustainable Bethel commissioner since spring/summer 2023

Why are you seeking this office?

I am running for school board member to fulfill my civic duty and participate in our town’s democratic process. The increasing threat of regressive fascist policies in other communities and states is ever present and drives me to actively participate in our town’s politics. As a Bethel resident that contributes to the tax revenue of the town, I want our tax dollars to be spent wisely for the benefit and progress of our community and its residents. I want to do my part to ensure high quality and appropriate education for all Bethel students with safe and reasonable teacher responsibilities, and sufficient support specialists.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___, and this is what I intend to do about it.

There isn’t a single most pressing issue, but rather a myriad of issues of concern to address. My focus is education and the quality of learning experiences for Bethel students, their families and Bethel teachers.

* Advocate for teachers, students and their families. I advocate for a safe, healthy and appropriate learning environment for all.
* Uphold the Mission, Core Beliefs, Equity Statement and strategic plan adopted by the Bethel Board of Education and BPS.
* Accountability for all stakeholders while implementing practical logical solutions in day to day classroom and school life.

I plan to do my best to ensure our neighbors have equitable access to learning and educational support. I will advocate for and champion teachers to have reasonable workloads with appropriate and necessary support specialists. My purpose is to help maintain an equitable lens to enrich our learning environments with cultural responsiveness and accountability.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I have relevant professional credentials and direct experiences as an educator with more than 15 years experience. I have been a teacher (dual-language, students with and without disabilities) in after-school programs, childcare centers, public and private schools in 3 different states, as well as the director of a nature education center. Most recently I worked at a non-profit as an educational coach and consultant with providers of in-home child care.

My knowledge and experience is rooted in the day to day classroom life and responsibilities of caring for and educating children. This also included patterning with families and support specialists.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Sustainability

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

My entire 15+ years professional career in education.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Do you best to be prepared and ask for help when you need it.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I was born in El Salvador and Spanish is my first language. My long standing commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the classroom has shaped my teaching philosophy and style. My experiences as a bilingual student and subsequently a dual language teacher informs my perspective as a potential Board of Ed member. A perspective that will strengthen the quality of education in Bethel for all.