2016 CT Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony Program

CONNECTICUT
TEACHER OF THE YEAR 2016
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 Quinn
2015 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, East Hartford Public Schools
November 10, 2015
The Bushnell
166 Capitol Avenue
Hartford
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
The Honorable Dannel P. Malloy
Governor of Connecticut
Dr. Dianna R. Wentzell
Commissioner of Education
The Honorable Nancy Wyman
Lieutenant Governor
TEACHER OF THE YEAR PROGRAM
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
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
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
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
* All members of the selection committee were also Teacher of the
Year application readers.
Education Organizations:
Carol Mikulski, Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council
Jahana Hayes
Waterbury Public Schools
Connecticut’s 2016 Teacher of the Year
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.
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 highquality 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
ACES
Ansonia
Ashford
Berlin
Bethany
Bloomfield
Bolton
Bozrah
Bridgeport
Bristol
Brookfield
Brooklyn
Canton
CES
Cheshire
Clinton
Colchester
Columbia
CREC
Cromwell
CT Technical High School System
Danbury
Derby
East Granby
East Haddam
East Hartford
East Haven
EASTCONN
Enfield
Farmington
Glastonbury
Granby
Greenwich
Griswold
Groton
Hamden
Hartford
Killingly
LEARN
Lebanon
Madison
Manchester
Mansfield
Meriden
Milford
Monroe
Montville
Naugatuck
New Britain
New Fairfield
New Haven
New London
New Milford
Newington
TEACHER
Victoria J. Hulse
Nancy J. Tingley
Gina Rose Burnham
Brendan T. Rush
Michelle Schwenger
Andrea Carol Sias
Mark Nagy Mishriky
Diane Mailey-Higgins
Shaun Mitchell
Scott Ruel
Nancy D'Amora
Lori-Ann Clare Gibb
Kama A. Cawley
Joseph Milositz
Anne Marie B. Wintenburg
Echo Damiano
Jennifer Totten
Jessica Leigh Hall
Chinma Obiakonwa Uche
Beth Noelle Hourigan
Melanie Wade Cometa
Nancy Jo Michael
Frank C. Briganti
Christopher Tomala
Doreen Johnson
Ryan Wade Campbell, Ed.D.
Michael A. Martino, Jr.
Kristin James MSEd.
Constance Lynn Mazzetta
Nancy Lengyel Ladish
Monica Ann Gardner
Jodi Okenquist
Maryann C. Franchella
John W. Cormier
Kate Comment
David Joseph Coss
Leah Tarnowicz
Keri Lynn Costa
Nancee Terracciano
Megan Grogan
Lisa Somers Caldwell
Lisa Griffen
Denise Proffer
Lynda Kate Thornton
Catherine Ensling Langley
Jennifer Parsell
Kalyn Robinson Travis
Tiffany Lynn Deitelbaum
Evelyn Hudyma
Michelle Forcade Brown
Stephanie Leigh White
Michelle Combs
Jennifer Theresa Singer
Jonas P. Roberts
ADMINISTRATOR
Dr. Thomas Danehy
Dr. Carol Merlone
Dr. James P. Longo
Mr. David B. Erwin
Dr. Ernest L. Perlini
Dr. James Thompson, Jr.
Mrs. Kristin B. Heckt
Dr. Paul C. Gagliarducci
Mrs. Frances M. Rabinowitz
Dr. Ellen Solek
Mr. John W. Barile
Dr. Louise S. Berry
Mr. Kevin D. Case
Dr. Evan Pitkoff
Dr. Greg J. Florio
Mr. John F. Cross, III
Mr. Jeffry P. Mathieu
Mr. Laurence Fearon
Dr. Bruce Douglas
Dr. Paula M. Talty
Dr. Nivea L. Torres
Dr. Salvatore V. Pascarella
Dr. Matthew Conway, Jr.
Dr. Christine Mahoney
Mr. Brian S. Reas
Mr. Nathan D. Quesnel
Dr. Portia S. Bonner
Ms. Paula M. Colen
Dr. Jeffrey A. Schumann
Mrs. Kathleen C. Greider
Dr. Alan B. Bookman
Dr. Alan Addley
Dr. William S. McKersie
Mr. Paul K. Smith
Dr. Michael Graner
Mr. Jody Ian Goeler
Dr. Beth Schiavino-Narvaez
Mr. Kevin C. Farr
Dr. Eileen S. Howley
Mr. Robert J. Angeli
Mr. Thomas R. Scarice
Mr. Matthew A. Geary
Mrs. Kelly Lyman
Dr. Mark D. Benigni
Dr. Elizabeth E. Feser
Mr. James C. Agostine
Mr. Brian Levesque
Ms. Sharon Locke
Mr. Kelt L. Cooper
Dr. Alicia M. Roy
Mr. Garth Harries
Dr. Manuel J. Rivera
Dr. JeanAnn C. Paddyfote
Dr. William C. Collins
2016 CONNECTICUT DISTRICT TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
DISTRICT
Newtown
North Branford
Norwich
Norwich Free Academy
Oxford
Plainfield
Plainville
Putnam
Regional School District #5
Regional School District #6
Regional School District #9
Regional School District #10
Regional School District #13
Regional School District #14
Regional School District #15
Regional School District #16
Regional School District #17
Regional School District #18
Regional School District #19
Ridgefield
Rocky Hill
Seymour
Sherman
Simsbury
South Windsor
Southington
Stonington
Suffield
Thomaston
Tolland
Torrington
Trumbull
Unified School District #1
Unified School District #2
Vernon
Wallingford
Waterbury
Watertown
West Hartford
Westbrook
Weston
Westport
Wethersfield
Winchester
Windham
Windsor
Wolcott
Woodbridge
Woodstock Academy
TEACHER
Tina J. Jones
Melinda Balg
Keely Miller Backus
Amy Elizabeth Correia
Jennifer LaCapra
Robert T. Riley
Tahlya M. Granja
Amy Beth St. Martin
Scott Allen DeMeo
Laurie Quigley Sweet
Jacquelyn Whiting
Christina Rose Flaherty
Noelle Rae Durkin
Jessica P. Gamache
Brian T. Jehning
Christopher Tomlin
Jessica Jasmine DeAngelo
Dawn M. Kelley
Jim Loughead
Judy Silver
Sarah D'Arco Sherman
Stefanie Marie Slie
Steven Daniel Trinchillo
Jan Ferrier Sands
Ellen M. Festi
Christopher James Richter
Tricia J. Lance
Stephannie R. Holland
Aaron Jon Bunel
Stoddard Lawson Slayton
Angelo Santo Calabrese
Sally R. Kenler
Jessica Trzaskos
Julie Nearing
Erin Sophia Pelletier
Kenneth J. Daly
Jahana Hayes
Matthew C. Saccoman
Jennifer Lynn Lanese
Caitlin Elizabeth Eichler
Adrienne Dunn
Kimberly Ann Herzog
Karen Marshall
Susan M. Goodenough
Annemarie Miller
Michelle Ann Carras
Jessica Stevenson
Michelle Marie Shepard
Emily Beth Nester
ADMINISTRATOR
Dr. Joseph Erardi
Mr. Scott Schoonmaker
Mrs. Abby I. Dolliver
Mr. David J. Klein
Ms. Ana V. Ortiz
Mr. Kenneth DiPietro
Mr. Jeffrey C. Kitching
Mr. William J. Hull
Mr. Charles S. Dumais
Mr. Edward Drapp
Dr. Thomas McMorran
Mr. Alan Beitman
Dr. Kathryn Y. Veronesi
Dr. Anna Cutaia-Leonard
Ms. Regina Lemerich Botsford
Mr. Michael Yamin
Mr. Howard Thiery
Mr. Ian Neviaser
Mr. Bruce W. Silva
Dr. Karen Baldwin
Dr. Mark Zito
Ms. Christine Syriac
Mr. Donald P. Fiftal
Mr. Matthew Curtis
Dr. Kate Carter
Mr. Timothy F. Connellan
Dr. Van W. Riley
Ms. Karen Berasi
Mrs. Francine Coss
Dr. Walter Willet
Ms. Linda T. Reitman
Dr. Gary A. Cialfi
Ms. Kim Holley
Mr. Stephen Tracy
Mr. Joseph Macary
Dr. Salvatore F. Menzo
Dr. Kathleen M. Ouellette
Dr. Bridget H. Carnemolla
Mr. Thomas Moore
Ms. Patricia A. Ciccone
Dr. Colleen A. Palmer
Dr. Elliot Landon
Mr. Michael T. Emmett
Ms. Anne Watson
Dr. Patricia Garcia
Dr. Craig A. Cooke
Mr. Thomas M. Smyth, Jr
Dr. Gaeton F. Stella
Mr. Christopher Sandford
STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
2016 TEACHER OF THE YEAR AWARDS CEREMONY
Master of Ceremonies
Pledge of Allegiance
National Anthem
Blaise Messinger, 2013 Connecticut Teacher of the Year
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
Semifinalist Recognition
Dr. Dianna R. Wentzell, Commissioner of Education
Allan B. Taylor, Chair, Connecticut State Board of Education
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
Finalist Recognition
Mark Nagy Mishriky, Bolton
Jodi Okenquist, Granby
Tiffany Lynn Deitelbaum, Naugatuck
Robert T Riley, Plainfield
Brian T. Jehning, RSD #15
Kimberly Ann Herzog, Westport
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
Music Recognition
Dr. Kathleen M. Ouellette, Superintendent, Waterbury Public Schools
Jahana Hayes, John F. Kennedy High School, Waterbury Public Schools
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
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 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.
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.
Gold Sponsor
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.
Silver Sponsors
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.
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.
Partners & Friends
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.
To make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and
empowering families and communities to advocate for all
children.
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.
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.
Supporters
David and Jennifer Bosso
Richard C. Brown
Marian Galbraith
Lee Hay
Cal Heminway
Carol Mikulski
Bert Neumaier
Susan Pelchat
Christopher Poulos
Mark Winzler
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
CONNECTICUT TEACHER OF THE YEAR HONOR ROLL
Year
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
2000
1999
1998
1997
1996
1995
1994
1993
1992
1991
1990
1989
1988
1987
1986
1985
1984
1983
1982
1981
1980
1969
1968
1964
1963
1953
Name
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*
Patti Avallone
Judy 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**
District
East 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
West Haven
Bridgeport
Hartford
Region 15, Middlebury, Southbury
West Haven
Mystic/Groton
Berlin
Enfield
South Windsor
Glastonbury
Region 4, Chester, Deep River, Essex
West Hartford
Manchester
Bloomfield
New London
Derby
Unknown
Torrington
West Hartford
Manchester
Milford
*Indicates National Teacher of the Year Finalist
**Indicates National Teacher of the Year
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.”
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 | [email protected]