CONNECTICUTTEACHER OF THE YEAR 2016

November 10, 2015

The Bushnell166 Capitol Avenue

Hartford

Awards Ceremony

“We teach to ignite a passion for learning, a belief in one’s self, a respect for one another and our world. We teach because it makes a

lasting difference and our contributions inevitably change the world.”

— Cara Quinn2015 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, East Hartford Public Schools

STATE OF CONNECTICUT STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

The Honorable Dannel P. Malloy Dr. Dianna R. Wentzell Governor of Connecticut The Honorable Nancy Wyman Lieutenant Governor

Commissioner of Education TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM

Dr. Sarah J. Barzee, Chief Talent Officer Shannon Marimón, Division Director, Educator Effectiveness and Professional Learning, Talent Office Anne McKernan, Chief, Bureau of Leadership Development Kim Wachtelhausen, State Coordinator, Talent Office Special thanks to the Talent Office support staff

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION Erin D. Benham Susannah M. Beyl (Student Member) William P. Davenport Theresa Hopkins-Staten, Vice Chairperson Terry H. Jones Estela López Maria I. Mojica Timothy J. Noel-Sullivan (Student Member) Mark Ojakian Allan B. Taylor, Chairperson Robert Trefry, Ex Officio Joseph J. Vrabely, Jr. Stephen P. Wright

CONNECTICUT TEACHER OF THE YEAR COUNCIL

Dr. David Bosso, President Christopher Poulos, Immediate Past President Susan Pelchat, Selection Committee Chairperson Richard C. Brown and Marianne Cavanaugh, Ceremony Chairpersons

TEACHER OF THE YEAR SELECTION COMMITTEE Jim Accomando, Connecticut Parent Teacher Student Association Joe Bacewicz, 1999 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Dr. David Bosso, 2012 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Marianne Cavanaugh, 1998 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Michele Fraher, American Federation of Teachers, Connecticut Cal Heminway, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council Pat Jordan, Connecticut Education Association Lauren Mancini-Averitt, American Federation of Teachers, Connecticut John Mastroianni, 2014 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Tom Nicholas, Connecticut Education Association

Susan Pelchat, 1997 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, Selection Committee Chairperson Jan Perruccio, Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents Cara Quinn, 2015 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Beth Regan, Council of Elders, Mohegan Tribe Mary Kay Rendock, 2006 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Dr. Beth A. Smith, Connecticut Association of Schools Dr. Emily R. Smith, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Lydia Tedone, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Christopher Todd, Teacher-Leader-in-Residence, Talent Office Susan Walker, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council Chaz Zezulka, 1990 Connecticut Teacher of the Year

TEACHER OF THE YEAR APPLICATION READERS

State Teachers of the Year: State Department of Education: Richard C. Brown, Voya Financial Bill Davenport, 2004 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Catherine Freeman, Finalist, 2011 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Dr. Marian Galbraith, 2002 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Joan Hurley, 2008 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Blaise Messinger, 2013 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Anthony Mullen, 2009 Connecticut & National Teacher of the Year Wendy Nelson-Kaufmann, 2003 CT Teacher of the Year Christopher Poulos, 2007 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Kristen Record, 2011 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Mark Winzler, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council Burt Saxon, 2005 Connecticut Teacher of the Year * All members of the selection committee were also Teacher of the Year application readers.

Stephen Armstrong, Education Consultant, Division of Standards, Curriculum, and instruction Dr. Kimberly Audet, Talent Office Dr. Teresa Boyd-Cowles, Education Consultant, Talent Office Pamela Charland, State Board Office Dr. Stephen W. Hoag, Education Consultant, Academic Office Abe Krisst, Education Consultant, Academic Office Shannon Marimón, Division Director, Educator Effectiveness and Professional Learning, Talent Office Anne McKernan, Chief, Bureau of Leadership Development Dr. Yemi Onibokun, Education Consultant, Academic Office Jennifer Webb, Education Consultant, Academic Office Iris White, Education Consultant, Academic Office Education Organizations: Carol Mikulski, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council

Jahana Hayes is a history teacher and the chairperson of the School of Academic Renown (SOAR) Program at Kennedy High School in the Waterbury Public School District. She began her teaching career in the New Haven Public Schools and completed her student teaching under the 2005 CT Teacher of the Year Dr. Burt Saxon. In the last 10 years she has taught World History, Roots of American Citizenship, U.S. History, Civics, Geography and African American History, a course for which she helped to write and implement the curriculum. In addition to her teaching duties, Mrs. Hayes serves as the chairperson of the Kennedy School Governance Council. She also worked for seven years as the lead teacher for the 21st Century after school program and served as a NEASC chairperson and a visiting committee member. In the past year, Mrs. Hayes helped secure a Minority Teacher Recruitment and Retention grant for the district offered by the Connecticut State Department of Education. As part of this grant she did extensive work and employed collaborative efforts among students, teachers, community members and parents to address the challenges the district faces in minority teacher recruitment. She is currently implementing programs to introduce students to teaching as a profession and continues to work closely with district personnel on minority recruitment and retention efforts. Mrs. Hayes mentors new teachers and is currently assisting in establishing district-wide mentorship programs. Mrs. Hayes has a passion for service learning and spearheads community service efforts at her school. As co-advisor of the Helping out People Everywhere (HOPE) club, she has traveled around the country with students to build homes with Habitat for Humanity and has raised thousands of dollars for Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society. Her other service activities include helping to beautify the city as a member of the Board of Directors for the Citywide Front Porch Clean-Up, the Taft Global Leadership Institute, and the Annual Kennedy Cancer Walk. She organizes annual coat drives and engages students in City of Dreams, an organization to raise awareness about homelessness. Mrs. Hayes compels students to find their “call to action” and get involved in improving their community. Her goal is to write and implement a service learning curriculum to teach students the benefits and importance of helping others. Students gravitate to Mrs. Hayes and describe her energy as “infectious.” She is always willing to participate in student-led activities and is the reigning “Dancing with the Stars” champion, a student-teacher dance contest at Kennedy High School. Mrs. Hayes works well beyond her contracted duties to ensure success for all of her students and can be found after school in Waterbury neighborhoods checking on her students and engaging in community events. Mrs. Hayes says that being able to teach in the community where she was born and raised is the greatest gift. She credits so much of who she is and her ability to connect with students to her relationship with the Waterbury community and her family. Mrs. Hayes earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University, a master’s degree from the University of St. Joseph and a 6th Year advanced degree from the University of Bridgeport.

Jahana Hayes Waterbury Public Schools

Connecticut’s 2016 Teacher of the Year

STATE OF CONNECTICUT Office of the Governor

I am pleased to join the State Board of Education in welcoming teachers, family members, friends, students, and other supporters of great teachers to the 2016 Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony. This event gives us an opportunity to thank the many outstanding teachers we celebrate this evening, and all of our dedicated teachers who work to help Connecticut’s children learn, grow, and prepare for their bright futures. Those of you who have been named Teacher of the Year in your districts — and especially our state Teacher of the Year — represent Connecticut’s best of the best, and it is our privilege to honor every one of you. Teaching is a calling. It is challenging work to meet the individual needs of students every day. I cannot emphasize enough the impact that your efforts — and your success — have on the future of our state. Congratulations to Jahana Hayes, Connecticut’s 2016 Teacher of the Year, and to all the educators who make a difference in the lives of Connecticut children. Your professionalism, commitment to excellence, and dedication to your students is inspiring and unparalleled. On behalf of all the residents of Connecticut who value providing all our students a high-quality education, I congratulate you and thank you for all that you do for our students, schools, and our communities. You have my best wishes for a wonderful celebration tonight and for many more years of great success in your classrooms. Sincerely,

DANNEL P. MALLOY Governor

A Message from Commissioner of Education Dr. Dianna Wentzell

On behalf of the Connecticut State Board of Education, I would like to congratulate the 2016 Connecticut Teacher of the Year honorees. This is an evening to celebrate the teaching profession and to honor those educators who rise to the challenge of giving every child an education that will propel them to a bright, successful future.

Tonight, all of the honorees are being recognized for their exemplary service to their school

communities--ranging from helping a young child to express his or her first thoughts on paper

to leading student service projects at the local food pantry. Teachers are called upon to stir

intellect and ignite passion in their students. They come to the classroom as learners themselves,

ready to share knowledge, engage in thoughtful dialogue and inspire new ideas. Each of the

educators being honored this year represents the very best in the teaching profession, and I am

proud to be with all of you to share in the significance of this occasion.

Please accept our deepest gratitude for making a difference in the lives of our young people by

leading them to pathways for success. In a world that can be filled with multiple challenges, it

is clear that the commitment and dedication of teachers is paramount to preparing our students

for a future where they will have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions. Although

sometimes a daunting task, the reward is a generation of young people ready to step into their

adult lives with the innovative energy necessary to move our state and our nation forward.

We are here to celebrate great teaching by recognizing educators who have inspired a love of

learning in their students and who have distinguished themselves in the teaching profession.

Thank you for a job well done and please accept our best wishes for continued success!

Sincerely,

Dr. Dianna R. Wentzell Commissioner of Education

2016 CONNECTICUT DISTRICT TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

DISTRICT TEACHER ADMINISTRATOR ACES Victoria J. Hulse Dr. Thomas Danehy Ansonia Nancy J. Tingley Dr. Carol Merlone Ashford Gina Rose Burnham Dr. James P. Longo Berlin Brendan T. Rush Mr. David B. Erwin Bethany Michelle Schwenger Dr. Ernest L. Perlini Bloomfield Andrea Carol Sias Dr. James Thompson, Jr. Bolton Mark Nagy Mishriky Mrs. Kristin B. Heckt Bozrah Diane Mailey-Higgins Dr. Paul C. Gagliarducci Bridgeport Shaun Mitchell Mrs. Frances M. Rabinowitz Bristol Scott Ruel Dr. Ellen Solek Brookfield Nancy D'Amora Mr. John W. Barile Brooklyn Lori-Ann Clare Gibb Dr. Louise S. Berry Canton Kama A. Cawley Mr. Kevin D. Case CES Joseph Milositz Dr. Evan Pitkoff Cheshire Anne Marie B. Wintenburg Dr. Greg J. Florio Clinton Echo Damiano Mr. John F. Cross, III Colchester Jennifer Totten Mr. Jeffry P. Mathieu Columbia Jessica Leigh Hall Mr. Laurence Fearon CREC Chinma Obiakonwa Uche Dr. Bruce Douglas Cromwell Beth Noelle Hourigan Dr. Paula M. Talty CT Technical High School System Melanie Wade Cometa Dr. Nivea L. Torres Danbury Nancy Jo Michael Dr. Salvatore V. Pascarella Derby Frank C. Briganti Dr. Matthew Conway, Jr. East Granby Christopher Tomala Dr. Christine Mahoney East Haddam Doreen Johnson Mr. Brian S. Reas East Hartford Ryan Wade Campbell, Ed.D. Mr. Nathan D. Quesnel East Haven Michael A. Martino, Jr. Dr. Portia S. Bonner EASTCONN Kristin James MSEd. Ms. Paula M. Colen Enfield Constance Lynn Mazzetta Dr. Jeffrey A. Schumann Farmington Nancy Lengyel Ladish Mrs. Kathleen C. Greider Glastonbury Monica Ann Gardner Dr. Alan B. Bookman Granby Jodi Okenquist Dr. Alan Addley Greenwich Maryann C. Franchella Dr. William S. McKersie Griswold John W. Cormier Mr. Paul K. Smith Groton Kate Comment Dr. Michael Graner Hamden David Joseph Coss Mr. Jody Ian Goeler Hartford Leah Tarnowicz Dr. Beth Schiavino-Narvaez Killingly Keri Lynn Costa Mr. Kevin C. Farr LEARN Nancee Terracciano Dr. Eileen S. Howley Lebanon Megan Grogan Mr. Robert J. Angeli Madison Lisa Somers Caldwell Mr. Thomas R. Scarice Manchester Lisa Griffen Mr. Matthew A. Geary Mansfield Denise Proffer Mrs. Kelly Lyman Meriden Lynda Kate Thornton Dr. Mark D. Benigni Milford Catherine Ensling Langley Dr. Elizabeth E. Feser Monroe Jennifer Parsell Mr. James C. Agostine Montville Kalyn Robinson Travis Mr. Brian Levesque Naugatuck Tiffany Lynn Deitelbaum Ms. Sharon Locke New Britain Evelyn Hudyma Mr. Kelt L. Cooper New Fairfield Michelle Forcade Brown Dr. Alicia M. Roy New Haven Stephanie Leigh White Mr. Garth Harries New London Michelle Combs Dr. Manuel J. Rivera New Milford Jennifer Theresa Singer Dr. JeanAnn C. Paddyfote Newington Jonas P. Roberts Dr. William C. Collins

2016 CONNECTICUT DISTRICT TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

DISTRICT TEACHER ADMINISTRATOR Newtown Tina J. Jones Dr. Joseph Erardi North Branford Melinda Balg Mr. Scott Schoonmaker Norwich Keely Miller Backus Mrs. Abby I. Dolliver Norwich Free Academy Amy Elizabeth Correia Mr. David J. Klein Oxford Jennifer LaCapra Ms. Ana V. Ortiz Plainfield Robert T. Riley Mr. Kenneth DiPietro Plainville Tahlya M. Granja Mr. Jeffrey C. Kitching Putnam Amy Beth St. Martin Mr. William J. Hull Regional School District #5 Scott Allen DeMeo Mr. Charles S. Dumais Regional School District #6 Laurie Quigley Sweet Mr. Edward Drapp Regional School District #9 Jacquelyn Whiting Dr. Thomas McMorran Regional School District #10 Christina Rose Flaherty Mr. Alan Beitman Regional School District #13 Noelle Rae Durkin Dr. Kathryn Y. Veronesi Regional School District #14 Jessica P. Gamache Dr. Anna Cutaia-Leonard Regional School District #15 Brian T. Jehning Ms. Regina Lemerich Botsford Regional School District #16 Christopher Tomlin Mr. Michael Yamin Regional School District #17 Jessica Jasmine DeAngelo Mr. Howard Thiery Regional School District #18 Dawn M. Kelley Mr. Ian Neviaser Regional School District #19 Jim Loughead Mr. Bruce W. Silva Ridgefield Judy Silver Dr. Karen Baldwin Rocky Hill Sarah D'Arco Sherman Dr. Mark Zito Seymour Stefanie Marie Slie Ms. Christine Syriac Sherman Steven Daniel Trinchillo Mr. Donald P. Fiftal Simsbury Jan Ferrier Sands Mr. Matthew Curtis South Windsor Ellen M. Festi Dr. Kate Carter Southington Christopher James Richter Mr. Timothy F. Connellan Stonington Tricia J. Lance Dr. Van W. Riley Suffield Stephannie R. Holland Ms. Karen Berasi Thomaston Aaron Jon Bunel Mrs. Francine Coss Tolland Stoddard Lawson Slayton Dr. Walter Willet Torrington Angelo Santo Calabrese Ms. Linda T. Reitman Trumbull Sally R. Kenler Dr. Gary A. Cialfi Unified School District #1 Jessica Trzaskos Ms. Kim Holley Unified School District #2 Julie Nearing Mr. Stephen Tracy Vernon Erin Sophia Pelletier Mr. Joseph Macary Wallingford Kenneth J. Daly Dr. Salvatore F. Menzo Waterbury Jahana Hayes Dr. Kathleen M. Ouellette Watertown Matthew C. Saccoman Dr. Bridget H. Carnemolla West Hartford Jennifer Lynn Lanese Mr. Thomas Moore Westbrook Caitlin Elizabeth Eichler Ms. Patricia A. Ciccone Weston Adrienne Dunn Dr. Colleen A. Palmer Westport Kimberly Ann Herzog Dr. Elliot Landon Wethersfield Karen Marshall Mr. Michael T. Emmett Winchester Susan M. Goodenough Ms. Anne Watson Windham Annemarie Miller Dr. Patricia Garcia Windsor Michelle Ann Carras Dr. Craig A. Cooke Wolcott Jessica Stevenson Mr. Thomas M. Smyth, Jr Woodbridge Michelle Marie Shepard Dr. Gaeton F. Stella Woodstock Academy Emily Beth Nester Mr. Christopher Sandford

STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

2016 TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS CEREMONY

Master of Ceremonies Blaise Messinger, 2013 Connecticut Teacher of the Year

Pledge of Allegiance

National Anthem

Students from John F. Kennedy High School, Waterbury Public Schools Lynadia Whiting, John F. Kennedy High School, Waterbury Public Schools

Welcome The Honorable Nancy Wyman, Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dianna R. Wentzell, Commissioner of Education Dr. David Bosso, President, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council

Remarks from Platinum Sponsors Beth Regan, Council of Elders, Mohegan Tribal Nation Carolyn Johnson, President, Voya Tax-Exempt Markets Dr. Bruce Douglas, Executive Director, CREC for the RESC Alliance

Reflections Cara Quinn, 2015 Connecticut Teacher of the Year

Teacher of the Year Process Christopher Poulos, 2007 Connecticut Teacher of the Year

District Teachers of the Year William Davenport, 2004 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Kristen Record, 2011 Connecticut Teacher of the Year

Presentation of Awards Dr. Dianna R. Wentzell, Commissioner of Education Allan B. Taylor, Chair, Connecticut State Board of Education

Semifinalist Recognition Mary Kay Rendock, 2006 Connecticut Teacher of the Year

Andrea Carol Sias, Blooomfield

Chinma Obiakonwa Uche, CREC David Joseph Coss, Hamden Evelyn Hudyma, New Britain Laurie Quigley Sweet, RSD #6 Adrienne Dunn, Weston

Mark Nagy Mishriky, Bolton

Jodi Okenquist, Granby Tiffany Lynn Deitelbaum, Naugatuck Robert T Riley, Plainfield Brian T. Jehning, RSD #15 Kimberly Ann Herzog, Westport

Finalist Recognition Susan Pelchat, 1997 Connecticut Teacher of the Year

Shaun Mitchell, Bridgeport Daniel Joseph Clement, Somers Dylan John Connor, Stratford

Presentation of 2016 Connecticut Teacher of the Year

2016 Connecticut Teacher of the

Year Acceptance

Dr. Kathleen M. Ouellette, Superintendent, Waterbury Public Schools Jahana Hayes, John F. Kennedy High School, Waterbury Public Schools

Music Recognition Head of the Class, Faculty Band, Waterbury Public Schools

Mike Cammarata - Piano Scott Kahn - Bass Louis Pontecorvo - Trumpet Rick Rikteraitis - Guitar Ray Santovasi - Drums

Flowers provided and arranged by: Floriculture Students, Ellis Clark Regional Agriscience and Technology Program,

Woodbury FFA Chapter, Nonnewaug High School

The State Department of Education and the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council wish to thank our sponsors whose contributions make the

Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program possible.

Platinum SPonSorS

Gold SPonSor

Silver SPonSorS

The Mohegan Tribe, a sovereign, federally recognized Indian Nation, is committed to developing an understanding of Native American culture and history by providing quality professional development for educators.

As an industry leader in retirement plans that has been providing 403(b) plan services to Connecticut schools for over 40 years, Voya is committed to helping individuals save for retirement during their working years and creating an income strategy throughout retirement. Voya is very proud to have been a provider in the first 403(b) plan for a public school system and we remain a provider in that plan today.

The Connecticut Alliance of Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs) brings Connecticut’s six RESCs together to furnish programs and services to Connecticut’s public schools, enabling schools to expand services

beyond what they can accomplish alone.

SMART Technlogies is defined by innovation and the desire to help teachers and students discover new ideas, new ways of learning and new ways of collaborating.

NNSTOY is a professional organization of State Teachers of the Year. Focused on assuring that every student has access to excellent teachers, we are committed to bringing the voice of teachers into policy making and to advocating for the profession.

The mission of The Mark Twain House & Museum is to foster an appreciation of the legacy of Mark Twain as one of our nation's defining cultural figures, and to demonstrate the continuing relevance of his work, life and times.

PartnerS & FriendS

SuPPorterS

David and Jennifer Bosso Lee Hay Susan Pelchat Richard C. Brown Cal Heminway Christopher Poulos Marian Galbraith Carol Mikulski Mark Winzler

Bert Neumaier

Support the Council The Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program is made possible by contributions made to the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides recognition for exemplary teachers and excellence in teaching. Contributions made to the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council are tax deductible.

Honor a Teacher What better way to honor a favorite teacher than by making a tax-deductible donation to the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council? To honor a teacher, include the name and address of the teacher you would like to honor when making your donation. To support the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, or to make a donation in memory of a teacher, please visit the Council website.

www.cttoycouncil.org

Since 1848, the Connecticut Education Association has been a strong and effective champion for teachers and public schools, advocating for high standards for teaching and learning.

The Connecticut Association of Schools is an informed leader in Connecticut’s education system, providing services to Connecticut’s K-12 schools in areas ranging from academics to athletics.

The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents leads the continuous improvement of public education by advocating public policy for children, and by developing and supporting executive school leaders.

The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education assists local and regional boards of education in providing high-quality public education for all Connecticut children through effective leadership.

While we are a union of public and private sector employees including teachers and other school personnel, state employees, nurses and healthcare workers, we are committed to reclaim the promise of a great and equal education for all Connecticut’s students.

Through exhibits, education programs, and conservation events, Mystic Aquarium inspires people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, researc, and exploration.

The Museum of America and the Sea is an experiential education facility where students experience hands-on history and science in a vibrant setting.

To make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.

SERC provides resources, professional learning, and a centralized Library to educators, families, and community members in collaboration with the Connecticut State Department of Education and other public and private partners.

CONNECTICUT TEACHER OF THE YEAR HONOR ROLL

Year Name District 2015 Cara Quinn East Hartford 2014 John F. Mastroianni West Hartford 2013 Blaise Messinger Cromwell 2012 Dr. David Bosso Berlin 2011 Kristen Record Stratford 2010 Kristi M. Luetjen (Laverty) West Hartford 2009 Anthony J. Mullen** Greenwich 2008 Joan Hurley CREC 2007 Christopher Poulos Region 9, Easton, Redding 2006 Mary Kay Rendock Bloomfield 2005 Dr. Burt Saxon New Haven 2004 William P. Davenport Woodbury 2003 Wendy Nelson Kauffman Bloomfield 2002 Dr. Marian Galbraith* Groton 2001 Karen Rezendes Danbury 2000 Elizabeth Ann Collinge North Haven 1999 Joseph Bacewicz Tolland 1998 Marianne Cavanaugh Glastonbury 1997 Susan Pelchat Torrington 1996 Fie K. Budzinsky* Portland 1995 Patti Avallone West Haven 1994 Judy Gross Bridgeport 1993 Art Skerker Hartford 1992 Robert Coleman Region 15, Middlebury, Southbury 1991 Linda Matthews West Haven 1990 Chaz Zezulka Mystic/Groton 1989 Carol R. Virostek Berlin 1988 Frank Gawle Enfield 1987 Bert J. Neumaier South Windsor 1986 Deborah Gladding Willard Glastonbury 1985 Thomas J. Sullivan Region 4, Chester, Deep River, Essex 1984 Roger A. Morrissette West Hartford 1983 Dr. LeRoy Hay** Manchester 1982 Sandra Johnson Bloomfield 1981 Shirley J. Gillis* New London 1980 Henry F. Jemioto Derby 1969 Sheila Mary Schmidt Unknown 1968 Rose Brennan Torrington 1964 Harold Frazier* West Hartford 1963 Helen Estes* Manchester 1953 Dorothy Hamilton** Milford

*Indicates National Teacher of the Year Finalist

**Indicates National Teacher of the Year

The Connecticut State Department of Education is committed to a policy of equal opportunity/affirmative action for all qualified persons. The Connecticut State Department of Education does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws. The Connecticut State Department of Education does not unlawfully discriminate in employment and licensing against qualified persons with a prior criminal conviction. Inquiries regarding the Connecticut State Department of Education’s nondiscrimination policies should be directed to: Levy Gillespie, Equal Employment Opportunity Director/American with Disabilities Act Coordinator, Connecticut State Department of Education, 25 Industrial Park Road, Middletown, CT 06457 | 860-807-2071 | Levy.Gillespie@ct.gov

Teachers of the Year and all Connecticut Educators!

Participants from the 2015 Empowered to Lead Conference said… “This was an amazing day. The entire experience was worthwhile, beneficial, and I walked away feeling inspired and motivated to continue to grow in my own profession and influence others to do the same.” “It was a day filled with excitement!!! It was a day of learning!! It was a day filled with opportunity to collaborate with other teachers at all levels as well as administrators in a comfortable and open setting. This does not happen enough. Kudos to all of YOU!!! Thank you for this opportunity! I would like to be able to attend next year as well.” “What a superb opportunity to collaborate with other leaders who thrive to make a difference in our profession. I felt supported and validated. Days like this should happen more often.”