Carolyn Comitta, ME, education, drawing on her experience as a public-school educator, state Senator Carolyn Comitta was recently named to the Senate Education Committee for the 2021-22 legislative session. Comitta, who successfully advocated for teachers and school staff to be prioritized for vaccination, said she will work to ensure students, families, and schools have the support and resources they need as districts across Chester County prepare to return to full, in-person instruction. “I am honored to serve on the committee and look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address the significant and ongoing impacts this pandemic has had on schools, students, and families across Chester County and the Commonwealth,” Comitta said. “The disruption in learning has impacted different students in different ways. It’s important that we fully understand the issues at stake as we work to help every young person realize their greatest potential.”

Earlier this year, Comitta brought together Chester County school district superintendents, legislators, and officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Pennsylvania Department of Education, and governor’s office to discuss efforts to fully reopen schools and distribute the vaccine to teachers and school staff. As a result of her advocacy and the efforts of others, Governor Wolf and the bipartisan COVID-19 Joint Task Force established plans to prioritize educators and school staff in receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Comitta holds a bachelor’s degree in education from West Chester State College (now West Chester University) and a master’s degree in education from Widener University. Previously, she served as a teacher and curriculum specialist in the Octorara Area School District for a decade. In addition to her position on the Senate Education Committee, Comitta will continue to serve as minority chair of the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, and on the Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Health and Human Services, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness committees.

Carolyn Comitta graduated with the class of 1989 with a master's degree in education and went on to serve as a teacher, before starting her professional journey with Senate Education Committee. 

Shareable Link: https://alumni.widener.edu/alumni/news/updates/carolyn-comitta-named-2021-2022-senate-education-committee