Board of Education - Meet Joe Hernick and Jason Qua

Joe Hernick and Jason Qua are running for Board of Education here in Suffield. They each bring a wealth of experience in education and strong stewards of our community with their families, volunteer work and coaching.

Joe Hernick

Candidate for Bd. of Ed

Joe is in his seventh year as director of academic technology at Suffield Academy, where he teaches, sits on the Academic Committee, provides faculty training and supervises a dorm. He is a proponent of information literacy - the ability to analyze, validate and understand the overwhelming amount of information at our fingertips - critical for 21st Century success. He is also the guest chef at Oxen Hill Farm, where he shows members how to make the most out of the local harvest via cooking demonstrations and seasonal recipes.

Joe was formerly the director of IT and computer studies chair at the Loomis Chaffee School in Windsor, CT, where he revamped the tech curriculum, improving integration of appropriate technology in the classroom rather than implementing technology for technology's sake. Prior to his career shift to education ten years ago, Joe spent ten years in the insurance industry as a director and program manager at CIGNA in Bloomfield.

After serving in the US Navy after graduating from a public high school in New York, Joe earned his BA in Economics and MS in Information Management from Syracuse University. He served on the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools - Commission on Technology from 2004-2013; as a commission member Joe has assessed the technology programs, curriculum and administrative structure of K-12 schools in Connecticut and Pennsylvania. He is a member of the American Library Association and sits on the Enfield Montessori School Marketing Committee.

Joe and Lisa, his wife of 17 years, live with their daughters Annabelle and Adeline at Suffield Academy, where Lisa has been the director of the library for 14 years. Joe is currently restoring an old Volkswagen camper van in his spare time; he hopes to have it ready for next summer's family adventures. 

Jason Qua

Candidate For Board of Ed

I have been developing young minds and helping them reach their full potential for over twenty years as a high school teacher, curriculum coordinator (CC), and coach.  Currently I am the Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator, Grades 6-12, in Windsor Locks Public Schools.  This fall I am entering my sixth year of employment for WLPS.  I have taught many subjects, but not limited to, AP United States History, American Studies, Modern European History, and Psychology.  In addition, I have served on many educational committees and cohorts, such as, Technology Committee, High School and Middle School Leadership Committees, District Leadership Committee, Teacher Evaluation Committee, Differentiated Instruction cohort, and Smart Board Cohort to name a few.  Furthermore, as the CC, I have written and overseen the development of ten different courses at Windsor Locks high school and three curriculums at the middle school.  Lastly, I believe it is very important to get to know students outside the classroom and be a positive influence in their lives.  I believe that athletics and coaching has enabled me to be a positive force in many young person's lives.  Currently I am the offensive coordinator for the Suffield/Windsor Locks/East Granby Varsity Football team.

Prior to Windsor Locks, I spent a dozen years teaching and coaching at Wethersfield High School.  I taught many of the same subjects with the addition of World History.  I also served as the Interim Assistant Principal for nearly half the school year.  Moreover, I was the head varsity boy's basketball coach for eight years.  In addition, I coached the boy's varsity golf team for many years and helped develop CIAC recognition for the girls golf team, coaching them as well.  I also served on the Technology Committee and chaired the committee to develop and write the Wethersfield High School Honor Code.  Lastly, I organized and trained staff to administer the annual CAPT exam for the entire school, 1200 plus students.

As a father and as a teacher I believe that education is one of the most important aspects of a person's life and with education come the keys to happiness, understanding, compassion, and ultimately success wherever your passion may lie.  I attended public school, K-12, and graduated from Hall High School in West Hartford.  I got to know Suffield as a postgraduate at Suffield Academy, from which I was prepared for success at Clark University in Worcester, MA.  Shortly after getting my BA in International Development I graduated from Bridgewater State College with a Master of Arts in Teaching with a concentration in history.  Over the course of the next few years I completed a Sixth Year Degree in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University. 

My grandfather was a teacher for over 40 years and he was extremely influential in my life and the values for which I subscribe.  One of the most ingrained values I learned from him was the importance of public service, for which I have dedicated my life as a teacher.  Another value I cherish is family.  My wife, Becky Klein, has also been an art teacher for nearly fifteen years.  We have three children, Gabe, 10, Georgia, 7, and Hazel, 4.  We have been living in Suffield for eight years where I have been involved with Parks and Recreation coaching basketball and soccer, plus Suffield lacrosse.  I have been a member of the Board of Trustees for the Suffield Historical Society for two years.  My family enjoys doing many outdoor activities like cycling, swimming, hiking, and all kinds of sports and activities. We try to stay fit, healthy, and balanced, and we always eat a well-cooked meal together every night.

Paid for by Suffield Democratic Town Committee. Jeff Peak, treasurer.