Becky Hamman
STAMFORD — Becky Hamman has never run for political office in her life but believes now is the time to bring her two decades of experience as a teacher, administrator and educational consultant in service of the city’s Board of Education.
“I’ve got a unique background. I’m a career educator,” said Hamman, 57, who has lived in Stamford’s Belltown neighborhood with her husband for over 30 years
A native of Montana, Hamman always dreamed of teaching and earned her degree in education with a concentration in mathematics and science at Montana State University. She performed around the world with the crosscultural educational organization Up with the People before landing a teaching position in Greenwich Public Schools in the mid80s, where she taught math and science and stayed for a decade.
During that time, Hamman went back to school for a doctorate in education with a focus in organization and leadership at the Teachers College at Columbia University.
“At that point I loved learning and teaching and went into administration in order to help every teacher be an even greater teacher,” said Hamman, who then worked as an administrator at elementary and secondary schools across the state, including administrative posts at J.M. Wright Technical High School in
Stamford.
Since 2014 Hamman has worked as a statewide educational consultant and executive coach and in between gigs serves as a longterm substitute teacher in Stamford, where she’s gotten to know almost every public school in the city and developed the desire to give back as an elected official.
“I’m coming in from a whole different perspective. I’m here for the kids and the families,” said Hamman, a Republican.
Hamman said her knowledge of data from work in administration and consulting will be an asset to the district in crafting its budget and is looking for ways to save money and improve services. She also said she’s ready to roll up her up her sleeves and put her grantwriting skills to work to bring in new dollars for the the district that doesn’t put a further burden on taxpayers.
“I call myself the guide on the side because I’m really just there to help teachers and the superintendent and be a team player,” Hamman said.
While the financial piece is important, Hamman said her main reason for her entrance into the race is to help improve an element of the student experience she said is often overlooked: students’ social and emotional wellbeing.
“Once you have confidence and resilience you can move in any direction you want. Grit, resilience, and faith — I just truly believe those are important pieces,” Hamman said. “I think our most important asset in Stamford is our children and teenagers and I don’t take that lightly. I take it seriously. It’s my profession and my passion.”
Becky Hamman
Party: Republican
Age :57
Incumbent: No
Current job: Professional Teacher and Administrator (Suburban & Urban/Fairfield and Westchester Counties); College/ Career Coordinator
Education: Helena Senior High School, Montana State Univ. (BS), Fordham (MS) and Columbia (Ed.D.) universities
The most important issue in this election: As a suburban/ urban school administrator and trained ACPE chaplain I care about the safety and social-emotional well-being of every student, family, teacher and administrator. I speak hope and have a message that everyone matters. The BOE needs to acknowledge the upcoming demographic challenges, work together as a team and plan strategically.
Other issues: We need to carefully look at the BOE budget…education is almost 60% of the total city budget, yet building needs, out-of-district tuitions, non-resident students, and procuring corporate grants are issues to hone in on. Along with excellent teachers/administrators, programs, community partnerships and mentors, Stamford needs to use data to project next steps prudently.
Family: Husband, Dale Hamman (Small Business Owner in Stone Industry); Dog (Monti the Airedale); Children (ALL of the students I have worked with as an educator... 11 years K-5; 13 years Gr. 6-Adult Education; Statewide SpEd Consultant PreK-12)
Previous elected offices, community group affiliations: Yale New Haven Trained Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) Chaplain; Up With People International Performer & Alumna; Stamford Meals on Wheels; Fordham & Columbia University Alumna