CONNECTICUTTEACHER OF THE YEAR 2018

November 15, 2017

The Bushnell166 Capitol Avenue

Hartford

Awards Ceremony

“Passion goes beyond the content we teach. Educators must be passionate about student achievement and success. This begins with the fundamental

understanding and belief that each and every one of our students that walks into our classrooms has the ability to achieve greatness, and we must be ready

to provide them with the tools necessary to reach their personal goals.”

— Lauren Danner2017 Connecticut Teacher of the Year

North Branford High School

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

State Board of EducationAllan B. Taylor, ChairpersonEstela López, Vice ChairpersonErin D. BenhamErik M. ClemonsWilliam P. DavenportDonald F. Harris, Jr.Terry H. JonesMaria I. MojicaSaomai Nguyen, Student MemberMark E. Ojakian, Ex OfficioJaweria Shah, Student MemberMalia K. SieveRobert J. Trefry, Ex OfficioJoseph J. Vrabely, Jr.Stephen P. Wright Dr. Dianna R. Wentzell, Secretary

State Department of Education Dr. Dianna R. Wentzell, CommissionerEllen Cohn, Deputy CommissionerLaura Stefon, Chief of Staff

Teacher of the Year Program Sarah Barzee, Chief Talent Officer Kim Wachtelhausen, State Program Coordinator, Talent Office

Special thanks to the Talent Office support staff:Jayne Brooks, Janet Montague, Jeanne Newton, and Nancy Velez-Cruz

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

Teacher of the Year Selection Committee*Cay Freeman, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, Selection Committee ChairpersonDavid Bosso, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilTeresa Boyd-Cowles, Connecticut State Department of EducationLauren Danner, 2017 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Ann Gruenberg, Connecticut Association of Boards of EducationJahana Hayes, 2016 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, 2016 National Teacher of the YearMathew Hough, AFT ConnecticutPat Jordan, Connecticut Education AssociationKathleen Kennedy, Connecticut Parent Teachers Association Lauren Mancini-Averitt, AFT ConnecticutTom Nicholas, Connecticut Education AssociationSusan Pelchat, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilAnne Pember, ACES, Regional Education Service Center AllianceJan Perruccio, Connecticut Association of Public School SuperintendentsBeth Regan, Council of Elders, Mohegan Tribe Mary Kay Rendock, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council Beth A. Smith, Connecticut Association of Schools Susan Walker, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council

Teacher of the Year Application Readers Stephen Armstrong, Connecticut State Department of EducationKimberly Audet, Connecticut State Department of EducationJoe Bacewicz, 1999 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Richard Brown, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilMarianne Cavanaugh, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilWilliam Davenport, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilSharon Fuller, Connecticut State Department of EducationMarian Galbraith, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilStephen Hegedus, Dean, Southern Connecticut State UniversityRhonda Kempton, Connecticut State Department of EducationDavid Low, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilJohn Mastroianni, 2014 Connecticut Teacher of the YearBlaise Messinger, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilCarol Mikulski, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilYemi Onibokun, Connecticut State Department of EducationChristopher Poulos, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilClaudine Primack, Connecticut State Department of EducationCara Quinn, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilKristen Record, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilMaureen Ruby, Connecticut Teacher of the Year CouncilBurt Saxon, 2005 Connecticut Teacher of the YearChristopher 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.

Erin grew up in a family of teachers; however, she never imagined she

would become one herself. As a college freshman headed toward a degree in the arts, the 2001 attack on the World Trade Center changed her career perspective in ways she had yet to realize. Erin’s father, a FDNY fire chief, was heavily involved in the rescue and recovery following 9/11. Three years later, as Erin was about to enter her senior year, Ground Zero was still fresh in her mind. She no longer desired a graphic design career in New York City as planned. After earning a degree in digital media, she chose to follow in her mother’s footsteps, and entered grad school as an education student.

Now in her eleventh year of teaching, Erin knows she made the right decision and can’t imagine herself doing anything else. After eight years in special education, she currently teaches first grade at Cook Hill School in Wallingford. Erin’s experience in regular and special education has given her a unique perspective, “I see the need for collaborative efforts from many educators in the development of a child. While we may not always understand the role we each play, we are all of equal importance and value. Educators are like puzzle pieces; we can’t complete the picture without one another.”

Erin’s primary goal as a teacher is to help her students to become their best selves. She encourag-es students to make choices and follow their own course of action. She lets them know that they may encounter some bumps along the way, but reminds her students that the best and deep-est learning occurs with oppor-tunities to problem solve. Erin

believes that children need to learn to make decisions regarding their own learning at an early age to be prepared to make larger life decisions as they grow and develop. She en-courages her students to try new things, pur-sue their interests, and see failure as an oppor-tunity for growth, so they will one day become self-actualized adults.

Erin creates an environment that is a safe space where children can make mistakes, learn from them, and try again. She does for her students what she believes her moth-er did for her… she creates pathways for self-discovery tempered with support and gentle guidance.

Erin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Media from Marist College and a Master of Science degree in Teaching, Childhood, and Special Education from St. Thomas Aquinas College. Currently, Erin teaches first grade at Cook Hill School in Wallingford, Connecticut.

Erin BertholdWallingford Public Schools

2018 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 2018 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 Erin Berthold, Connecticut’s 2018 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 2018 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

2018 Connecticut District Teachers of the Year

DISTRICT TEACHER ADMINISTRATOR

Achievement First Hartford Academy, Inc. Daeja Bailey Emily BanksAnsonia Public Schools Jaime Lynn Ekstrand Carol MerloneAshford Public Schools* Rebecca Aubrey James LongoArea Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) Darrylle Olsen Thomas M. DanehyBerlin Public Schools* Katie Amenta David ErwinBethany Public Schools Meladee Ruzbarsky Colleen MurrayBloomfield Public Schools Shannon Buzzell James Thompson Jr.Bolton Public Schools Alexis C. Noheimer Kristin B. HecktBozrah Public Schools Donna Marie Washburn John J. WelchBridgeport Public Schools Kelly A. Milone Aresta JohnsonBristol Public Schools Sharon L.Vocke Susan MoreauBrookfield Public Schools Aimee E. Mack John BarileBrooklyn Public Schools Enrica Paola Desabota Patricia L. Buell (Interim)Canton Public Schools Jennifer C. Otte Kevin CaseCapitol Region Education Council (CREC) Krista Anne Beyer Timothy Sullivan Jr.Cheshire Public Schools Donna Quinlivan Notti Jeffery SolanClinton Public Schools Lisa Corrone Maryann O’DonnellColchester Public Schools Jennifer Karcich Karen GoodwinColumbia Public Schools Nicole Marie Henry Laurence FearonCooperative Educational Services (CES) Christie Cantalupo Evan PitkoffCromwell Public Schools Rosalia Pulino John Maloney Jr.CT Technical High School System Meredith Homza Jeffrey WihbeyDanbury Public Schools Beth Ann Manning Salvatore. PascarellaDerby Public Schools Michael Salvatore Gozzo Matthew Conway Jr.East Granby Public Schools Kristi DeStefano Smith Christine MahoneyEast Haddam Public Schools Celina Hasson Nelan Brian ReasEast Hampton Public Schools* Kristen Keska Paul SmithEast Hartford Public Schools Matthew James Martucci Nathan QuesnelEast Haven Public Schools Anne Diamantini Erica FortiEast Windsor Public Schools Catherine Ellen Kotula Christine DeBarge Easton Public Schools Darcy Ellen Scholz Thomas McMorranEnfield Public Schools Andrea Tarbox Christopher DrezekFarmington Public Schools Julie Anne Sawyer Kathleen GreiderGlastonbury Public Schools Christopher Robbins Alan BookmanGranby Public Schools Joy M. Cloukey Alan AddleyGreenwich Public Schools Bridget Suvansri Jill Gildea (Interim)Griswold Public Schools William Thomas Steele McCleary Sean McKennaGroton Public Schools Amy Turo McKenna Michael GranerHamden Public Schools Frank Renaldi Jody Ian GoelerHartford Public Schools Sonia Turner Leslie Torres-RodriguezJumoke Academy Chandra Renee Karhu Troy A. Monroe Killingly Public Schools Lisa A. Vance Steven RiouxLearn Michael Rivera Eileen HowleyLebanon Public Schools Virginia Ann DeLong Robert AngeliMadison Public Schools** Martha Curran Thomas ScariceManchester Public Schools Lara Wallmark Matthew GearyMansfield Public Schools Brenda Maxine Moulton Kelly LymanMeriden Public Schools Kelly Louise L’Heureux Mark BenigniMilford Public Schools Donna Rosary Stuart Elizabeth FeserMontville Public Schools Joshua J. Cushing Brian C. LevesqueNaugatuck Public Schools Jodie Lyn Burns Sharon LockeNew Britain Public Schools Patricia A. Cintorino Nancy SarraNew Fairfield Public Schools Matthew R. Schlosser Alicia M. RoyNew Haven Public Schools Michael Pavano Reginald MayoNew London Public Schools Jennifer Dowker Stephen TracyNew Milford Public Schools Denise Ellen Duggan Joshua D SmithNewington Public Schools* Brian Kelly William CollinsNewtown Public Schools Abigail Marks Lorrie RodrigueNorth Branford Public Schools Robert Douglas Ford Scott SchoonmakerNorwalk Public Schools Robert John Seferian Steven Adamowski

2018 Connecticut District Teachers of the Year

DISTRICT TEACHER ADMINISTRATOR

Norwich Free Academy Linda Irene Farinha David KleinNorwich Public Schools Amy D. Kenyon Abby DolliverOxford Public Schools DeAnne M. Tokarz Ana OrtizPlainfield Public Schools Laurie Jean Brunsdon Kenneth DiPietroPlainville Public Schools Melissa Patterson Maureen BrummettPlymouth Public Schools Denise Seamour Martin SemmelPutnam Public Schools Marisa Ann Stankiewicz William HullRedding Public Schools Matthew Farina Thomas McMorranRegional School District 5* Kevin Berean Charles DumaisRegional School District 6 Alisa Lorraine Wright Christopher LeoneRegional School District 9 Catherine Yanan Cheng Thomas H. McMorranRegional School District 10 Patricia Smaldone Alan BeitmanRegional School District 12 Kelly White Patricia CosentinoRegional School District 13 Debbie Marie Mariani Kathryn VeronesiRegional School District 15** LeAnn Cassidy Regina BotsfordRegional School District 16 James Amato Michael YaminRegional School District 17 Gretchen Schwanfelder Howard ThieryRegional School District 18 Patricia Cournoyer Ian NeviaserRegional School District 19 Terry Grant Jill KriegerRidgefield Public Schools Jennifer Ann Roth Karen BaldwinRocky Hill School District David John Dubos Mark ZitoScotland Public Schools Jessica Brooke Ristow Francis BaranSeymour Public Schools Meghan Elizabeth Goletz Michael WilsonShelton School District Christine Lynn McNamara Christopher ClouetSherman Public Schools Kerry Lynn McDevitt Jeffrey MelendezSimsbury Public Schools* Colleen Thompson Matthew CurtisSomers Public Schools* Cheryl Gustafson Brian CzaplaSouth Windsor Public Schools Nancy Mackey Simison Kate CarterSouthington Public Schools* Candace Patten Timothy ConnellanStafford Public Schools Jennifer Ledbetter Paul Smotas (Interim)Stamford Academy Samantha Gretchen Latulippe David WilliamsStamford Public Schools* Vincent Urbanowski Earl KimStonington Public Schools Daniel Agins Van RileyStratford Public Schools Samantha P. Rosenberg Janet RobinsonSuffield Public Schools Denise Frances Rigby Karen BerasiThe Gilbert School Maura Colleen Hurley Anthony SerioThomaston Public Schools Pamela Nascimento Francine CossTolland Public Schools Jane Curley Moynihan Walter WillettTorrington Public Schools Brandy Lynn Zima Denise L. ClemonsTrumbull Public Schools* Jeanne Malgioglio Gary CialfiUnified School District 1 Marcia Catalano Maria Pirro-SimmonsUnified School District 2 Steven Roccapriore Kristina StevensVernon Public Schools Lori Sladyk Gilmore Joseph MacaryWallingford Public Schools*** Erin Berthold Salvatore MenzoWaterbury Public Schools* Yolanda Lee-Gorishti Robert Henry (Deputy)Watertown Public Schools Gary Pflomm Bridget Heston CarnemollaWest Hartford Public Schools Luis Armando Ramirez Thomas MooreWestbrook Public Schools Craig R. O’Connor-Hall Patricia CicconeWeston Public Schools Stacey Anne Greenberg William McKersieWestport Public Schools** Courtney Ruggiero Colleen PalmerWethersfield Public Schools Charlene Maddock Michael EmmettWindham Public Schools Joanne L Haddad Patricia GarciaWindsor Public Schools Kristina Wallace Craig CookeWolcott Public Schools Michelle Elaine Thies Anthony GasperWoodbridge Public Schools Joanne Giaquinto Robert GilbertWoodstock Academy Katie Burns Christopher SandfordWoodstock Public Schools Bethany Amber Scafidi Viktor Toth (Interim)

*semifinalist **finalist ***CT Teacher of the Year

2018 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony

Katie Amenta, Berlin Public SchoolsRebecca Aubrey, Ashford Public SchoolsKevin Berean, Regional School District 5Cheryl Gustafson, Somers Public SchoolsBrian Kelly, Newington Public SchoolsKristen Keska, East Hampton Public Schools

Yolanda Lee-Gorishti, Waterbury Public SchoolsJeanne Malgioglio, Trumbull Public SchoolsCandace Patten, Southington Public SchoolsColleen Thompson, Simsbury Public SchoolsVincent Urbanowski, Stamford Public Schools

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

Student Performance Members of the Sheehan High School Band Wallingford Public Schools Under the direction of David Giardina

Pledge of Allegiance Cook Hill Elementary School, First Grade Students

Welcome The Honorable Dannel P. Malloy, Governor Dianna R. Wentzell, Commissioner of Education Saomai Nguyen, State Board of Education Student Member, Hall High School, West Hartford Jaweria Shah, State Board of Education Student Member, Hamden High School, Hamden David Bosso, President, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council Remarks from Beth Regan, Council of Elders, Mohegan Tribal Nation Platinum Sponsors

Reflections Lauren Danner, 2017 Connecticut Teacher of the Year

Recognition of 2018 Blaise Messinger, 2013 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Paraeducators of the Year

Presentation of 2018 Elise Butson, Principal of Jack Jackter Intermediate School, ColchesterParaeducator of the Year

Presentation of Milken Christopher Poulos, 2007 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Educator Award

District Teachers of the Year William Davenport, 2004 Connecticut Teacher of the Year John Mastroianni, 2014 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 Lauren Danner, 2017 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Cay Freeman, 2011 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Finalist

Finalist Recognition Mary Kay Rendock, 2006 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Cara Quinn, 2015 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Jahana Hayes, 2016 Connecticut and National Teacher of the Year

LeAnn Cassidy, Regional School District 15 Martha Curran, Madison Public Schools Courtney Ruggiero, Westport Public Schools

Presentation of 2018 Salvatore Menzo, Superintendent, Wallingford Public Schools Connecticut Teacher of the Year

2018 Connecticut Teacher Erin Berthold, Cook Hill School, Wallingford 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 SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

PLATINUM SPONSORS

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.

The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence uses the power of emotions to create a more effective and compassionate society. The center conducts research and teaches people of all ages how to develop their emotional intelligence.

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.

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 Joyce D. and Andrew J. Mandell Academy for Teachers is the Connecticut Science Center’s high-impact professional development program for educators. Mandell Academy 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 appreci-ation 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.

SILVER SPONSORS, CONTINUED

PARTNERS

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.

Smart Technologies Corporation is a Canadian company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Founded in 1987, Smart Technologies is best known as the developer of the Smart Board interactive whiteboard. Smart products are sold through dealers across North America and through distributors in countries around the world.

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 edu-cation 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.

Barbara Dalio, as the leader of the Dalio Foundation’s work to strengthen public edu-cation, engages with teachers to build meaningful relationships and design solutions to achieve greater equity. The Foundation supports hundreds of teachers across Con-necticut, benefiting thousands of public school students.

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.

Fund for Teachers strengthens instruction by investing in outstanding teachers’ self-determined professional growth and development in order to support student success, enrich their own practice, and strengthen their schools and communities.

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 Connecticut Alliance of Regional Educational Service Centers (RESCs) brings Con-necticut’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.

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 PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

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

University of Saint Joseph is a Roman Catholic comprehensive institution of higher education and an undergraduate women’s college with a coeducational graduate program. It is located in West Hartford, Connecticut and was founded in 1932 by the Sisters of Mercy of Connecticut.

SUPPORT THE COUNCIL / HONOR A TEACHERThe 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. Contributions made to the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council are tax deductible. To support the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, or to make a donation in honor of a teacher, please visit www.cttoycouncil.org.

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20062005200420032002200120001999199819971996

Lauren DannerJahana Hayes**Cara Quinn John F. Mastroianni Blaise Messinger Dr. David Bosso Kristen Record Kristi 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*

North BranfordWaterburyEast 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

AFT Connecticut

Alpha Delta Kappa

American International College

Connecticut Council for the Social Studies

Connecticut’s Kid Governor

Connecticut Science Teachers Association

Frieda BHarriet Beecher Stowe CenterMount Holyoke CollegeUConn, Neag School of EducationNystrom EducationPerfection LearningPrimary SourceWorld Affairs Council of Connecticut

ORGANIZATIONAL SUPPORTERS INDIVIDUAL/FAMILY SUPPORTERS

David and Jennifer BossoRaymond and Carolyn Bosso (in honor of David and Jennifer Bosso)Richard C. BrownCatherine Freeman

Cal Heminway

Michael Linehan

Carol Mikulski

Susan Pelchat

Christopher Poulos

Beth Regan

Maureen Ruby

MARK TWAIN HOUSE

March 6, 2018 – Elementary Education DayMarch 13, 2018 – Secondary Education Day

March 20, 2018 – Semi-Finalists, Finalists, and Teacher of the Year(Snow Date – April 3, 2018)

MOHEGAN TRIBE TEACHER OF THE YEAR RECEPTIONApril 26, 2018

Mohegan Sun Convention Center

2018 EMPOWERED TO LEAD SYMPOSIUM

April 26, 2018Mohegan Sun Convention Center

SAVE THE DATES!

CONNECTICUT TEACHER OF THE YEAR SELECTION PROCESS

Through a locally designed process, each participating district selects an exemplary teacher as their Teacher

of the Year. Each district Teacher of the Year is eligible to submit an application to the State Department of

Education for consideration as Connecticut Teacher of the Year. The teachers’ application packets include

biographical and professional information, essays on topics ranging from personal teaching philosophy to

issues facing public education, and letters of endorsement. Each application is reviewed by at least eight

members of a statewide selection committee representing the state’s major educational organizations, former

state teachers of the year, and community stakeholders. The review of applications identifies 12–15 semifinalists

who are invited to make a formal presentation on a pre-assigned topic, and to respond to questions as part

of an interview process. Finally, four finalists are visited at their schools, where selection committee members

observe the teachers’ classes, interview colleagues, administrators, and students, as well as support staff,

parents, and local board of education members. At the conclusion of the site visits, the selection committee

meets and selects the Connecticut Teacher of the Year.