April_2019

HONORING

12 CEA ADVISOR APRIL 2019

CONNECTICUT’S 2012 TEACHER OF THE YEAR MAKES NATIONAL TEACHER HALL OF FAME Berlin’s David Bosso one of only five inductees across the country

PLAINVILLE TEACHER EARNS PRESTIGIOUS MILKEN AWARD Michael Zaba brings art to everything—and everything to art Plainville art teacher Michael Zaba is a big believer in interdisciplinary learning. For him, elevating students’ grasp of art goes hand in hand with teaching concepts in geometry, physics, history, and physical education. The Toffolon Elementary School teacher also goes to great lengths to make learning exciting and fun. For all the fun and surprises he brings to his classroom, it was Zaba who got the surprise of his career at a school assembly where Governor Ned Lamont announced him as Connecticut’s 2018-2019 Milken Educator Award winner. One of only 33 national honorees this year, Zaba was awarded $25,000. “Michael Zaba exemplifies the great work being carried out in classrooms throughout our state,” says CEA President Jeff Leake. “This well-deserved award shines a spotlight on him and his students, their school community, and all of Connecticut’s outstanding teachers.” Celebrating greatness Research shows teacher quality is the driving in- school factor behind student growth and achievement, and the Milken Award aims not only to reward great teachers but to celebrate and activate innovators in the classroom who are guiding America’s next generation of leaders. “Connecticut has the finest teachers in the country who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of their students so they can achieve success as adults,” said Governor Lamont. “Mr. Zaba exemplifies what we look for in a teacher, and we are grateful to have him as a role model for our students.” Parents praise Zaba for helping their children discover hidden talents and interest in the arts, which can be particularly meaningful for those who struggle with academics, social skills, or athletics. Zaba believes that a teacher’s role is to inspire the next generation, and he

As one of his students was finishing a quiz at the end of the school day, Dr. David Bosso thought he might be late for a faculty meeting. When he arrived—just in time—the Berlin social studies teacher quickly realized that what he thought was a routine meeting was in fact a celebration in his honor. Colleagues and special guests gathered to

Berlin Superintendent Brian Benigni, Education Commissioner Dianna Wentzell, National Teacher Hall of Fame representative and Joel Barlow High School teacher Christopher Poulos, and CEA President Jeff Leake congratulate David Bosso on his induction into the National Teacher Hall of Fame.

congratulate Connecticut’s 2012 Teacher of the Year for being inducted into the National Teacher Hall of Fame. “Dave is an exemplary teacher leader who has been an inspiration for his colleagues, for teachers across the state, and for aspiring educators in our teacher prep programs,” said CEA President Jeff Leake. “He truly deserves this terrific honor.” Bosso is one of only five preK-12 teachers to be inducted into the National Teacher Hall of Fame in 2019 and is the fourth teacher in Connecticut history to receive this honor, which strives to “encourage excellence in teaching and preserve the rich heritage of the teaching profession in the United States.” “If you have a chance to work with Dr. Bosso, you know that those last words could not represent who he is at his core any better,” said Berlin High School English teacher Katie Amenta, a former student of Bosso’s. “Dave,

you tirelessly serve educators, near and far, and we at Berlin High School are so lucky to call you ours.” Redding teacher Christopher Poulos, who nominated Bosso for the award, called him “an outstanding person and a remarkable human being,” adding, “Dave loves teaching and learning and feels that growth is made when children learn from mistakes.” “I’m humbled to be in a room with so many incredible educators I have the honor of working with every day,” said Bosso, who was once a student at Berlin High School. “This recognition would not be possible without many of the people in this room.” Bosso will be formally inducted into the National Teacher Hall of Fame in Emporia, Kansas, this June. In May, he will be honored at an event hosted by the National Education Association in Washington, D.C.

credits his colleagues for helping create an environment where teachers and students can succeed. “My colleagues and I are lifelong learners,” he says, “and we share an attitude of cooperation and a willingness to learn from one another. We all carry a collective responsibility in our students’ education.”

Michael Zaba is Connecticut’s 2018-2019 Milken Educator Award winner.

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