West Hartford Public Schools has continued to deepen its commitment to equity, and to developing a pipeline of educators who may ultimately join the district or pursue related careers.

Brianna Bobo, a 2019 Conard High School graduate who now teaches social studies at Sedgwick Middle School is an alum of the FEOD program and spoke about the impact it had on her and the impact she can have on her students. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Submitted. Photos by Ronni Newton

West Hartford Public Schools proudly reaffirms its strong and ongoing commitment to our teacher pipeline through the Future Educators of Diversity (FEOD) program. Schools maintain strong partnerships with Central Connecticut State University and the University of Connecticut as part of their “Grow Your Own” teacher development initiative.

This year, 12 students from Conard and Hall were formally recognized and “pinned,” signifying their commitment to careers in education or service-related fields. With more than 40 students now involved districtwide, the program continues to grow in size and impact. West Hartford Public 

Conard Principal Jocelyn Tamborello-Noble hands one of the FEOD graduates his pin. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

FEOD functions as both a student leadership initiative and a strategic effort to cultivate a diverse, future-ready teaching workforce. The program supports students from elementary through high school, sparking early interest in education and fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. With mentorship, leadership development, and intentional pathways to higher education, FEOD equips students with the tools they need to succeed in teacher preparation programs and beyond.

West Hartford Public Schools remains deeply committed to building an inclusive, representative, and equitable educational community – one future educator at a time.

Anthony Hubbard, a 2025 Hall High School graduate, receives his FEOD pin. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Jamahl Hines, former Conard High School principal, established the FEOD program about six years ago. He’s still a supporter of the program in his new role as special assistant to the provost at Central Connecticut State University, which partners with WHPS. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Conard Principal Jocelyn Tamborello-Noble congratulates one of the FEOD graduates. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Hall Principal Sarah Isaacs and FEOD program administrator Ben Norland hand one of the grades his pin. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Members of the FEOD program attended a pinning ceremony at Town Hall. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Brianna Bobo, a 2019 Conard High School graduate who now teaches social studies at Sedgwick Middle School is an alum of the FEOD program and spoke about the impact it had on her and the impact she can have on her students. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

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