From Teen Mother to Star Educator
Jahana Hayes was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, in 1973, growing up in the city's public housing projects. Her childhood was marked by poverty and instability, with her mother struggling with addiction. Raised primarily by her grandmother, Hayes was a promising student, but her path was complicated when she became pregnant at 17. Despite the challenges and a period of homelessness, she was determined to continue her education. After working night jobs to support her young daughter, she enrolled in community college, the first step on an extensive academic journey. She earned an associate degree, followed by a bachelor's from Southern Connecticut State University, a master's degree from the University of Saint Joseph, and a sixth-year administrative
certificate from the University of Bridgeport. This drive culminated in a 15-year career as a history and government teacher at John F. Kennedy High School in her hometown of Waterbury.
The 2016 National Teacher of the Year
As an educator, Hayes drew directly from her life experience, connecting with students facing similar obstacles she had overcome. She championed a philosophy of service learning, encouraging students to engage with their community to understand their own value and power. Her ability to inspire at-risk students earned her a series of accolades, starting with her school's Teacher of the Year award, then the district's, and finally, Connecticut Teacher of the Year. In 2016, her journey reached a national stage when President Barack Obama named her the National Teacher of the Year. The award is considered the most prestigious national honor for teaching. In her role as an ambassador for public education, she traveled the country, advocating for students and educators and aiming to change the public narrative around the teaching profession.
An Unlikely Path to Washington
Politics was not a lifelong ambition for Hayes. In 2018, when Connecticut's 5th congressional district seat was unexpectedly opened, she was approached by Senator Chris Murphy about running. Having never held public office, she was a true political outsider. Motivated by the idea that she could be a voice for her community and her students, she launched her campaign. She defied expectations by winning the Democratic primary against a party-endorsed opponent. Running on a platform that prioritized education, affordable healthcare, and a pathway to citizenship, she won the general election in November 2018. Her victory was historic; she became the first African-American woman and the first Black Democrat to represent Connecticut in the U.S. Congress.
Policy and Priorities in Congress
In Washington, Hayes's career as an educator continues to define her legislative agenda. She secured seats on the House Committee on Education and Workforce and the House Agriculture Committee. On the education committee, she advocates for investments in the teaching workforce and school infrastructure. As the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Nutrition, she has focused on expanding food assistance programs like SNAP and addressing food insecurity among veterans and college students. Her other legislative priorities include gun violence prevention, affordable healthcare, and environmental conservation. She has been a member of the Pro-Choice Caucus and supported legislation to lower prescription drug costs and strengthen the Affordable Care Act. To date, she has had 11 bills she authored or co-authored signed into law, including measures to help veterans exposed to radiation, improve mental health services for veterans, and increase access to baby formula during shortages.
