HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) The state's largest teachers union has hired the departing leader of the state Senate as its deputy public policy director.

The Connecticut Education Association has announced it has appointed Senate President Pro Tem Donald E. Williams Jr., who will start the job in January.

Williams, who didn't seek re-election, unsuccessfully sought the presidency of Quinebaug (KWIN'-uh-bog) Valley Community College in eastern Connecticut.

CEA President Sheila Cohen praised Williams' 22 years of legislative experience and his ``skills and commitment.''

The union represents 43,000 teachers in Connecticut.

Williams, a Brooklyn Democrat, was first elected to the Senate in 1993 and had been its leader since 2004.