Michael Fryar - Candidate for Hratford Board of Education

Michael Fryar - 20 years of working with children

Michael Fryar spent a lot of time daydreaming his way through school. But planning how to make schools better in the future did not help him in the present. Disillusioned and after years of worsening grades he dropped out of high school at 15. Michael quickly realized that without an education his opportunities were very limited, particularly if he wanted to change the way classroom education was delivered.

Michael knew there were kids out there just like him. Worth something, but who had given up on school, family and themselves. Michael earned his GED and then enrolled in college with the

intent of making a difference in these children’s lives. His goal was to help kids avoid the mistakes he had made and try to prevent children from dropping out.

Michael first earned a bachelor’s and a masters degree to become a classroom teacher. After 7 years he broadened his scope by becoming an education consultant to a software company. This allowed him to work with teachers and school systems in 12 different states. But while he enjoyed his work and could see the impact he was making on children’s lives, it wasn’t significant enough. Michael realized that to make true change he would have to become an advocate for children and attempt to change not just practice but policy. Michael Fryar, the high school dropout, applied and was accepted to law school. While completing his law degree Michael obtained employment as a social worker for the Department of Children and Families and volunteered with big brothers/big sisters.

Michael began to practice law, representing children involved with DCF in 2005 as a pro bono volunteer attorney before opening a full time practice in 2008. While pursuing pro bono activities he continued to work in adult education, first with the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities, the oldest state civil rights agency in America, and then for the Connecticut Bar Association.

He could have begun work as a full time attorney sooner, but in 2007 Michael spent 6 months on active duty with the United States Army. He currently serves with the National Guard as a combat military police soldier.

In addition to full time work as a father, he operates his own law firm where he works as an advocate for

children and families involved with DCF and as a special public defender for juveniles. In addition he teaches courses for Charter Oak College and Corporate College Services.