CONNECTICUTTEACHER OF THE YEAR 2017

November 10, 2016

The Bushnell166 Capitol Avenue

Hartford

Awards Ceremony

“Teachers are not visitors in the lives of their students. We have an enduring presence and make a lasting impact. You are somebody’s hero, and you

don’t even know it. Don’t take that responsibility lightly.”

— Jahana HayesWaterbury Public Schools

2016 Connecticut Teacher of the Year2016 National Teacher of the Year

State of Connecticut The Honorable Dannel P. Malloy, Governor The Honorable Nancy Wyman, Lieutenant Governor

State Board of EducationAllan B. Taylor, Chairperson Theresa Hopkins-Staten, Vice Chairperson Erin D. Benham Erik Clemons William P. Davenport Terry H. Jones Estela López Maria I. Mojica Malia K. Sieve Joseph J. Vrabely, Jr. Stephen P. WrightMark Ojakian (ex officio) Robert J. Trefry (ex officio) Amina S. Lampkin, Student Member Coral L. Ortiz, Student Member Dr. Dianna R. Wentzell, Secretary

State Department of Education Dr. Dianna R. Wentzell, CommissionerEllen Cohn, Deputy Commissioner

Teacher of the Year Program Dr. Sarah Barzee, Chief Talent Officer Shannon Marimón, Division Director, CSDE Talent Office Kim Wachtelhausen, State Program Coordinator, CSDE Talent OfficeAbbe Smith, Director of Communications

Special thanks to the CSDE Talent Office support staff:Jayne Brooks and Janet Montague

Special thanks to the CSDE Communications Office staff:Matt Falconer, editor, and Andrea Wadowski, graphic designer

Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilPresident: Dr. David Bosso, 2012 Connecticut Teacher of the YearVice President: Mary Kay Rendock, 2006 Connecticut Teacher of the YearTreasurer: Dr. Marian Galbraith, 2002 Connecticut Teacher of the YearSecretary: Susan Pelchat, 1997 Connecticut Teacher of the YearImmediate Past President: Christopher Poulos, 2007 Connecticut Teacher of the YearRichard C. Brown, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilMarianne Cavanaugh, 1998 Connecticut Teacher of the YearBill Davenport, 2008 Connecticut Teacher of the YearCatherine Freeman, Finalist, 2011 Connecticut Teacher of the YearCal Heminway, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilDavid Low, Semifinalist, 2013 Connecticut Teacher of the YearJohn Mastroianni, 2014 Connecticut Teacher of the YearBlaise Messinger, 2013 Connecticut Teacher of the YearCarol Mikulski, Retired EducatorCara Quinn, 2015 Connecticut Teacher of the YearKristen Record, 2011 Connecticut Teacher of the YearMaureen Ruby, Semifinalist, 2000 Connecticut Teacher of the YearChristopher Todd, Finalist, 2014 Connecticut Teacher of the YearSusan Walker, Retired EducatorMark Winzler, Retired EducatorChaz Zezulka, 1990 Connecticut Teacher of the Year

Teacher of the Year Selection Committee Stephen Armstrong, Connecticut State Department of EducationJoe Bacewicz, 1999 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Dr. David Bosso, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilMarianne Cavanaugh, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council Emily Freel, the RESC AllianceCatherine Freeman, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, Selection Committee Chairperson Ann Gruenberg, Connecticut Association of Boards of EducationJahana Hayes, 2016 Connecticut Teacher of the Year and 2016 National Teacher of the YearMathew Hough, American Federation of Teachers- ConnecticutPat Jordan, Connecticut Education Association Jeffrey LaFave, Voya FinancialLauren Mancini-Averitt, American Federation of Teachers- ConnecticutCarol Mikulski, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilTom Nicholas, Connecticut Education AssociationSusan Pelchat, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilJan Perruccio, Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents Beth Regan, Council of Elders, Mohegan Tribal Nation Dr. Maureen Ruby, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilLisa Beth Savitz, Connecticut Parent Teacher AssociationDr. Burt Saxon, 2005 Connecticut Teacher of the YearDr. Beth A. Smith, Connecticut Association of Schools Susan Walker, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council

Teacher of the Year Application Readers Dr. Kimberly Audet, Connecticut State Department of EducationDr. Teresa Boyd-Cowles, Connecticut State Department of EducationRichard Brown, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilPamela Charland, Connecticut State Department of EducationWilliam Davenport, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilDr. Marian Galbraith, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilRhonda Kempton, Connecticut State Department of EducationDavid Low, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilShannon Marimón, Connecticut State Department of EducationJohn Mastroianni, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilBlaise Messinger, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilChristopher Poulos, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilCara Quinn, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilKristen Record, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilMary Kay Rendock, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council Dr. Emily Smith, American Association of Colleges for Teacher EducationChristopher Todd, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilJennifer Webb, Connecticut State Department of EducationIris White, Connecticut State Department of EducationMark Winzler, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilChaz Zezulka, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council

All members of the selection committee were also application readers.

Lauren Danner is a general science/biology teacher and science department

leader at North Branford High School. Lauren first became interested in a teaching ca-reer as she pursued a bache-lor of science degree in diag-nostic genetic sciences from the University of Connecticut, working as a laboratory teach-ing assistant for the program. Upon graduating, Lauren worked as a cyto-genetic technologist at Mt. Sinai Hospital, followed by a cell culture technologist po-sition at Neurogen Corporation, where she was employed for 10 years.

Fueled by a passion for science and learning, Lauren decided to return to school, receiving a master of science degree in education from the University of New Haven. She began her teaching career as an intern at Beecher Road School, a PK–6 elementary school in Woodbridge. Lauren completed her student teaching in eighth-grade science at Bailey Middle School in West Haven. She is currently completing her seventh year of teaching in the North Branford School District at the high school.

Lauren is known for creating a positive classroom environment where students have the opportunity and ability to suc-ceed as members of a scientific commu-nity. Her lessons involve activities and stu-dent discourse centered around real-world connections to scientific phenomena. Lau-ren also regularly incorporates technology

in her classroom as a strate-gy to increase student en-gagement and collaboration, while providing opportuni-ties to assess and monitor student growth.

Lauren has led professional development workshops and meetings on the use of for-mative assessment probes in a science classroom, science

vocabulary strategies, the effective use of iPad technology in a classroom, effective questioning techniques, and classroom management strategies. She complet-ed the Teacher Education and Mentoring (TEAM) program as a certified mentor for beginning teachers and also acts as a Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) on-line module facilitator, coordinating meet-ings and discussions pertaining to the NGSS Short Course.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Lauren has served as the 9–12 science department leader since 2014. She is a member of the North Branford High School (NBHS) data team, faculty council, and North Branford District Technology Team. In 2012, Lauren was nominated by a student and won a nationwide contest entitled “Here Comes the Boom—Most Inspirational Teacher.” She was awarded $10,000, designated for NBHS extracurricular activities. Lauren was recently recognized as the 2017 North Branford District Teacher of the Year as well as the 2017 Connecticut State Teacher of the Year.

Lauren DannerNorth Branford Public Schools

2017 CONNECTICUT TEACHER OF THE YEAR

I am pleased to join the State Board of Education in welcoming teachers, family members, friends, students, and other support-ers of great teachers to the 2017 Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony.

This event gives us an opportunity to thank the many outstand-ing 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 espe-

cially 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 Lauren Danner, Connecticut’s 2017 Teacher of the Year, and to all the educators who make a difference in the lives of Connecticut chil-dren. 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 stu-dents, 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. MalloyGovernor

A MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR DANNEL P. MALLOY

A MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION DIANNA R. WENTZELL

On behalf of the Connecticut State Board of Education, I would like to welcome you to the 2017 Connecticut Teacher of the Year awards ceremony. This is an evening to celebrate the many ac-complishments of our students, knowing that the guiding hand of a compassionate expert, a teacher, was responsible for nur-turing their growth and development as learners.

Tonight, all of the honorees are being recognized for their out-standing practice and exemplary service to their school com-munities. We are so proud of our teachers for being on the front

lines every day making dreams possible for our students. Their commitment to our chil-dren offers Connecticut and our nation the gift of a bright future. 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 here this evening 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 mean-ingful 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. Those who are present tonight join me in thanking you for a job well done. Please accept our best wishes for continued success!

Sincerely,

Dr. Dianna R. WentzellCommissioner of Education

2017 Connecticut District Teachers of the Year

DISTRICT TEACHER ADMINISTRATOR

Ansonia Public Schools Amanda Bartone Dr. Carol MerloneArea Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) Wendy Wakeman Staschke Dr. Thomas DanehyAshford Public Schools Jadey Lynn Longo Dr. James P. LongoBerlin Public Schools Dara Flom Mr. David ErwinBethany Public Schools Maria Conte LeVasseur Mrs. Colleen MurrayBloomfield Public Schools Christian Ann Marcinczyk Dr. James ThompsonBolton Public Schools Tracy Lynn Wunch Mrs. Kristin HecktBozrah Public Schools Stacie Dempsey Dr. Paul GagliarducciBridgeport Public Schools Hilary Ann McDevitt Mrs. Frances RabinowitzBristol Public Schools Julia Darcy Dr. Ellen SolekBrookfield Public Schools Pam N. Garrett Mr. John BarileBrooklyn Public Schools Arturo Alfredo Gutierrez Dr. Mary ConwayCanton Public Schools Beth Ann Dropick Mr. Kevin CaseCapitol Region Education Council (CREC) Sarah Beth Worley Dr. Greg FlorioCheshire Public Schools Deborah Ann Bottaro Mr. Jeffrey SolanClinton Public Schools Dana McArdle Skidmore Mrs. Maryann O’DonnellColchester Public Schools Stefanie Maria Goodie Mr. Jeffry MathieuColumbia Public Schools Michael Hetherington Mr. Laurence FearonCooperative Educational Services (C.E.S.) Nicholas G. Yacovou Dr. Evan PitkoffConnecticut Technical High School System Aimee M. Correa Dr. Nivea L. TorresDanbury Public Schools John Webber Dr. Salvatore PascarellaDerby Public Schools Karen Marrone Dr. Matthew Conway, Jr.East Granby Public Schools Sarah E. Dugre Dr. Christine MahoneyEast Haddam Public Schools Laura Benson LeJeune Mr. Brian ReasEast Hampton Public Schools Christina Nascimento Amaral Mr. Paul SmithEast Haven Public Schools Gladys K. Knudsen Dr. Portia BonnerEast Hartford Public Schools Danielle Dlubac Mr. Nathan QuesnelEnfield Public Schools David Guertin Dr. Jeffrey SchumannFarmington Public Schools Melissa A. Dale Ms. Kathleen GreiderGlastonbury Public Schools Joshua David Steffenson Dr. Alan BookmanGranby Public Schools Baokhanh Jacqueline Paton Dr. Alan AddleyGreenwich Public Schools Dr. Sarah Nicole Goldin Dr. Salvatore CordaGriswold Public Schools Jessica Orf Gillespie Mr. Sean McKennaGroton Public Schools Ruth Ann Eichelberg Dr. Michael GranerHamden School District Lynn Economopoulos Mr. Jody Ian GoelerHartford Public Schools Gary Miller Lotreck Dr. Beth Schiavino-NarvaezKillingly Public Schools Kelly Lynn Davidson Mr. Steven RiouxLEARN Eric Lawrence Litvinoff Dr. Eileen S. HowleyLebanon Public Schools Jf Grant Halbrooks Mr. Robert AngeliMadison Public Schools Matthew Owen Price Mr. Thomas R. ScariceManchester Public Schools Eric Raymond Larson Mr. Matthew GearyMansfield Public Schools Diane Muriel Hutton Mrs. Kelly LymanMeriden Public Schools Kristen E. Bomengen Dr. Mark D. Benigni Milford Public Schools David Fischman Dr. Elizabeth FeserMonroe Public Schools Peter Schmitt Mr. James AgostineMontville Public Schools Suzanne M. LoPresto Mr. Brian LevesqueNaugatuck Public Schools Charles Paul Marenghi Ms. Sharon LockeNew Britain Public Schools Jessica Leon Ms. Nancy SarraNew Fairfield Public Schools Christopher James Tait Dr. Alicia RoyNew Haven Public Schools Carlos Reyes-Couvertier Dr. Reginald MayoNew London Public Schools Erin Marie Arzamarski Dr. Manuel RiveraNew Milford Public Schools Roxanne Kraft Mr. Joshua D. SmithNewington Public Schools Jill Rochelle Hinton Dr. William CollinsNewtown Public Schools Kathleen Marie Davey Dr. Joseph V. Erardi, Jr.North Branford Public Schools Lauren Marie Danner Mr. Scott Schoonmaker

2017 Connecticut District Teachers of the Year

DISTRICT TEACHER ADMINISTRATOR

Norwich Free Academy Sarah Joann Lee Burchman Mr. David KleinNorwich Public Schools Jessie Amber Wraichette Mrs. Abby DolliverOxford Public Schools Robert Scott Wheeler Ms. Ana OrtizPlainfield Public Schools Jennifer Alice Przekop Mr. Kenneth DiPietroPlainville Public Schools Maria Fazio Colangelo Dr. Maureen BrummettPlymouth Public Schools Corinne Mazon Dr. Martin SemmelPutnam Public Schools Lynn Macalister Mr. William HullRegional School District 5 Lynn Edwards Dr. Charles DumaisRegional School District 6 Charles E. Rowland Mr. Edward DrappRegional School District 9 Carolyn Elizabeth Huminski Dr. Thomas McMorranRegional School District 10 Robert Alan Gauvain Dr. Alan BeitmanRegional School District 12 Marianne Maher Dr. Patricia CosentinoRegional School District 13 Valerie Marie Swiantek Dr. Kathryn VeronesiRegional School District 15 Stacie Ann Broden Ms. Regina BotsfordRegional School District 16 Lisa Marie Olivere Mr. Michael YaminRegional School District 17 Carolyn Gay LaRosa Mr. Howard ThieryRegional School District 18 Bonnie Ambruso Mr. Ian NeviaserRegional School District 19 Patty Sofianos Mr. Bruce W. SilvaRidgefield Public Schools Allison Elkow Dr. Karen BaldwinRocky Hill Public Schools Monique Leonard Dr. Mark ZitoScotland Public Schools Karen Isabel Schenck Dr. Frank BaranSeymour Public Schools Gina Maria Kindt Ms. Christine SyriacShelton Public Schools Melissa Ann Fenstermaker Dr. Christopher ClouetSherman Public Schools Anita Dominick Brown Dr. Jeffrey MelendezSimsbury Public Schools Dr. Douglas Michael Haddad Mr. Matthew CurtisSomers Public Schools Philip A. Goduti, Jr. Dr. Maynard Suffredini, Jr.South Windsor Public Schools Janet Harver Belval Dr. Kate CarterSouthington Public Schools Christina Marie McKirryher Mr. Timothy ConnellanStafford Public Schools Colleen Martin Dr. Patricia CollinStamford Public Schools Gloria Jean Sinaguglia Mr. Earl KimStonington Public Schools Mary-Lou Brockett Devine Dr. Van RileyStratford Public Schools Christopher Joseph Newlan Dr. Janet RobinsonSuffield Public Schools Cynthia Dellastatious Pfaff Ms. Karen BerasiThe Gilbert School Donald Lee Crossman Dr. Anthony SerioThomaston Public Schools Mark Olsen Mrs. Francine CossTolland Public Schools Stephanie Lynn Cassidy Dr. Walter WillettTorrington Public Schools Andrew Daniel Deacon Mr. Mark WinzlerTrumbull Public Schools James Patrick McCaffrey Dr. Gary CialfiUnified School District 1 Daniel Cambra Mrs. Kim HolleyVernon Public Schools Victoria Nordlund Mr. Joseph MacaryWallingford Public Schools Tim Kansler Dr. Salvatore MenzoWaterbury Public Schools Ann Grace Spizzoucco Dr. Kathleen M. OuelletteWatertown Public Schools Rebecca E. Borbas Dr. Bridget CarnemollaWestbrook Public Schools Heather Gill Gersz Dr. Patricia CicconeWeston Public Schools Christina Conetta Dr. William S. McKersieWest Hartford Public Schools Stephen O’brien Mr. Thomas MooreWestport Public Schools Mary Elizabeth Ann Fulco Dr. Colleen PalmerWethersfield Public Schools Deirdre Ann Mahoney-Petraiuolo Mr. Michael T. EmmettWinchester Public Schools Kim Baker Mr. Freeman BurrWindham Public Schools Kim Mitchell Begin Dr. Patricia GarciaWindsor Public Schools Jennifer Tigre Dr. Craig CookeWolcott School District Jane Gargano Dr. Anthony GasperWoodbridge School District Doreen Katherine Merrill Mr. Robert GilbertWoodstock Academy Gloria Hanczar Mr. Christopher SandfordWoodstock School District Kyra Eleni Litschauer Mr. Viktor Z. Toth

2017 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony

Kim Begin, Windham Public SchoolsStacie Broden, Regional School District 15Stephanie Cassidy, Tolland Public SchoolsCarlos Reyes-Couvertier, New Haven Public SchoolsMelissa Dale, Farmington Public SchoolsAndrew Deacon, Torrington Public Schools

Mary Elizabeth Fulco, Westport Public SchoolsGary Lotreck, Hartford Public SchoolsLynn Macalister, Putnam Public SchoolsJames McCaffrey, Trumbull Public SchoolsVictoria Nordlund, Vernon Public SchoolsLisa Olivere, Regional School District 16

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

Pledge of Allegiance North Branford High School Chamber Choir and National Anthem North Branford Public Schools Under the direction of Nicholas Filippides

Welcome The Honorable Nancy Wyman, Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dianna R. Wentzell, Commissioner of Education Amina S. Lampkin, State Board of Education Student Member, Hall High School, West Hartford Dr. David Bosso, President, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, 2012 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Elena Tipton, Kid Governor, East Hartford Middle School

Student Performance Waterbury Arts Magnet School Dance Troupe and Chorale Choreography by Ryan Rabuska Under the direction of Cheryl Wirth and Marianna Vagnini

Remarks from Platinum Sponsors Beth Regan, Council of Elders, Mohegan Tribal Nation Heather Lavallee, President, Voya Tax-Exempt Markets

Reflections Jahana Hayes, 2016 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, 2016 National Teacher of the Year

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

District Teachers of the Year John Mastroianni, 2014 Connecticut Teacher of the YearRecognition 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 Joan Hurley, 2008 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Mary Kay Rendock, 2006 Connecticut Teacher of the Year

Finalist Recognition Marianne Cavanaugh, 1998 Connecticut Teacher of the Year

Dr. Sarah Goldin, Greenwich Public Schools Dr. Douglas Haddad, Simsbury Public Schools Joshua Steffenson, Glastonbury Public Schools

Presentation of 2017 Scott Schoonmaker, Superintendent, North Branford Public Schools Connecticut Teacher of the Year

2017 Connecticut Teacher Lauren Danner, North Branford High School, North Branford Public Schools of the Year Acceptance

Floral arrangements provided by: Floriculture Students, Ellis Clark Regional

Agriscience and Technology ProgramWoodbury FFA Chapter, Nonnewaug High School

Photography: Jill Davenport, Litchfield Hills PhotographyPhotography sponsored by Voya Financial

GOLD SPONSOR

The Connecticut Alliance of Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs) brings Connecticut’s six RESCs together to furnish pro-grams and services to Connecticut’s public schools, enabling schools to expand services beyond what they can accomplish alone.

The Connecticut 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

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.

SILVER SPONSORS

The Joyce D. and Andrew J. Mandell Academy for Teachers is the Connecticut Science Center’s high-impact professional development program for educators. Mandell Acad-emy for Teachers is committed to supplying educators with professional development experiences that support rigorous science and curriculum standards. Mandell Academy for Teachers programs transform classroom instruction, resulting in engaging learning experiences that lead to achievement for all students.

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

NNSTOY is a professional organization of State Teachers of the Year. Focused on ensuring 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.

PARTNERS

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.

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.

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 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.

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 Council for the Social Studies is organized and maintained to advocate and advance the study and teaching of the social studies in the schools, colleges, and other educational institutions of the state of Connecticut.

The Connecticut Radio Information System (CRIS) is Connecticut’s only radio reading service. CRIS broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from regional satellite studios in Danbury, Norwich, Trumbull, West Haven, and our broadcast center in Windsor.

For over 50 years, EF Educational Tours has helped teachers and students discover the world through culturally immersive educational travel. Through experiential learning they gain new perspectives, develop important 21st century skills and become true global citizens.

MenloED is an educational resource team, made up of K-12 practitioners, whose goal is to introduce effective and inspiring practices to promote and infuse creative thinking and innovation throughout schools and classrooms.

We are a Pre-K-12 partner dedicated to reimagining learning in a digital world. We provide superior instructional solutions that are effective, engaging and easy to use, resulting in improved educator efficiency and increased student achievement.

Through exhibits, education programs, and conservation events, Mystic Aquarium inspires people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research, 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. The 19-acre Museum along the Mystic River waterfront includes a recreated 19th-century coastal village, historic vessels and small boats, exhibit galleries, a renowned Planetarium, and one of the world’s largest collections of maritime artifacts.

Nystrom is the United States’ oldest publisher of wall maps and globes for classroom use. The company’s educational products include an innovative line of student atlases, laminated desk maps, three-dimensional maps and models, CD-ROMs, web sites, and hands-on curricular programs with complete teacher’s guides and detailed student lessons.

FRIENDS & SUPPORTERS

CONNECTICUT TEACHER OF THE YEAR HONOR ROLL

Connecticut Educators Computer Association is a nonprofit organization of professionals who promote the effective use of technology throughout schools in Connecticut. CECA is an Affiliate Member of ISTE, the International Society for Technology in Education.

Connecticut Parent Teachers Association exists as a source of information and support to all our local units and members. We are here to support the efforts of our members as they work for the health, education, and welfare of children and youth around the state.

Quinnipiac University is a private, coeducational university with 6,500 undergraduate and 2,500 graduate students. Quinnipiac is consistently ranked among the best universities by U.S. News and World Report.

ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORTERS Alpha Delta KappaAmerican International CollegeConnecticut World Affairs CouncilDiscovery Toys

Mount Holyoke CollegeNational Geographic LearningPrimary SourceThe Discovery CenterThe Harford CourantThe James Madison Memorial Fellowship

INDIVIDUAL/FAMILY SUPPORTERSDavid and Jennifer BossoRichard C. BrownLeRoy HayDavid KennedyCarol MikulskiSusan Pelchat

Christopher PoulosDeborah G. Willard, in memory of Carol VirostekMark Winzler

SUPPORT THE COUNCILThe 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 TEACHERWhat 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 at www.cttoycouncil.org.

2016201520142013201220112010200920082007

20062005200420032002200120001999199819971996

Jahana Hayes**Cara Quinn John F. Mastroianni Blaise Messinger Dr. David Bosso Kristen Record Kristi M. Luetjen (Laverty) Anthony J. Mullen** Joan Hurley Christopher Poulos

Mary Kay Rendock Dr. Burt Saxon William P. Davenport Wendy Nelson Kauffman Dr. Marian Galbraith* Karen Rezendes Elizabeth Ann Collinge Joseph Bacewicz Marianne Cavanaugh Susan Pelchat Fie K. Budzinsky*

WaterburyEast Hartford West Hartford Cromwell Berlin Stratford West Hartford Greenwich CREC Region 9, Easton, Redding Bloomfield New Haven Woodbury Bloomfield Groton Danbury North Haven Tolland Glastonbury Torrington Portland

1995199419931992

1991199019891988198719861985

1984198319821981198019691968196419631953

Patti AvalloneJudy Gross Art Skerker Robert Coleman

Linda Matthews Chaz Zezulka Carol R. Virostek Frank Gawle Bert J. Neumaier Deborah Gladding Willard Thomas J. Sullivan

Roger A. Morrissette Dr. LeRoy Hay** Sandra Johnson Shirley J. Gillis* Henry F. Jemioto Sheila Mary Schmidt Rose Brennan Harold Frazier* Helen Estes* Dorothy Hamilton**

West HavenBridgeport Hartford Region 15, Middlebury, Southbury West Haven Mystic/Groton Berlin Enfield South Windsor Glastonbury Region 4, Chester, Deep River, EssexWest Hartford Manchester Bloomfield New London Derby Windsor Torrington West Hartford Manchester Milford

* Indicates National Teacher of the Year Finalist ** Indicates National Teacher of the Year

2017 EMPOWERED TO LEAD SYMPOSIUM

April 27, 2017Mohegan Sun Convention Center

“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.”

“I left feeling inspired, energized, and ready to change the world!”

MOHEGAN TRIBAL NATION TEACHER OF THE YEAR RECEPTION

April 27, 2017Mohegan Sun Convention Center

MARK TWAIN HOUSE & MUSEUM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Using Museum Resources for the Integrated Curriculum

For Elementary Teachers: March 7, 2017For Middle School and High School Teachers: March 14, 2017

For 2017 Semifinalists and Finalists: March 21, 2017

“The professional development you provided was powerful, thought provoking, engaging, and exciting!”

“I am looking forward to spreading the good word about this invaluable piece of American history in our backyard and the amazing experiential learning opportunity that

the Mark Twain Museum offers students.”

SAVE THE DATES!