2016 CT Teacher of the Year Awards Ceremony Program
Transcription
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]