dec-jan

HONORING

8 CEA ADVISOR DECEMBER 2018–JANUARY 2019

MEET 2019 CONNECTICUT TEACHER OF THE YEAR SHEENA GRAHAM Bridgeport music teacher speaks to the gifts and challenges of teaching

some of the greatest gifts you can give to humanity.” Deep roots The importance Graham places on education has its roots in her family tree. While her grandmother could not attend school, she learned to read and always believed that literacy and education were the foundation for achieving your dreams. Graham’s aunt—a teacher—nurtured her desire to be a great educator, and her parents taught her that applying the knowledge she gained through education would always be the most valuable tool she possessed.

State Capitol in recent years— though she acknowledged, “These are heavy topics I will save for another time.” She noted, “Today’s educators continue to be surrounded by issues that must be addressed in order for us to offer students the best education possible, and to make sure it is equitable. How do we create schools that are safe for students without them resembling prisons? How do we properly budget for education without bankrupting cities? And how do we re-engage our disengaged students?”

“I believe every child deserves the best that we, as educators, have to offer,” says Bridgeport’s Harding High School performing arts and choir teacher Sheena Graham, whose beliefs are fueled by her own experiences as a young learner, and later, as a rising teacher. “Due to the very positive influences of my family, education for me was like a gift just waiting to be opened. And so I believe my greatest contribution to students is providing them with opportunities to discover their passions, develop their voice, create community connections, and see that they have the ability to impact others positively,” she says. “I teach music, but the more important goal for my students is to leave my classroom with positive connections to life.” Graham—or, as many of her 145 current students call her, “Mama Graham”—has been named Connecticut’s 2019 Teacher of the Year. An honor earned, and shared Addressing her colleagues at a Harding High School ceremony where her award was first announced, Graham said, “Being selected as Connecticut’s Teacher of the Year is not something I take lightly. My career here in Bridgeport has been spent working with some of the most talented, creative, resourceful, and dedicated educators in the world. To represent you, along with so many more like you across the state of Connecticut, is truly an honor.” “Sheena is a generous educator who has high expectations for her students and is passionate about reaching each and every one of them,” says CEA President Jeff Leake, who attended the ceremony. “Her commitment to her students and her willingness to challenge herself represent all that is great in

the teaching profession. Sheena instills compassion and empathy, making sure her students understand the need to take care of themselves, one another, and their community.” Graham, who is in her 36th year of teaching in Bridgeport, has taught choir, theater, piano, and performing arts at both Harding High School and Central High School. She was chosen from among four finalists, 15 semifinalists, and more than 100 district-level teachers of the year. CEA Vice President Tom Nicholas, who was part of the statewide Teacher of the Year

Bridgeport’s Sheena Graham is Connecticut’s 2019 Teacher of the Year.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Graham leads a number of extracurricular activities, including running a poetry club; coaching cheerleading, softball, drill team, and dance troupe; and providing free piano lessons and drama classes. As Connecticut Teacher of the Year, she will serve as a teacher- ambassador for public education, working in an advisory capacity on statewide education issues, serving as a consultant to Connecticut’s Commissioner of Education, and representing Connecticut at national education forums, National State Teacher of the Year Program planning and networking sessions, and meetings of the U.S. Department of Education. She will travel to Washington, D.C., meet with the president, and represent Connecticut in the National Teacher of the Year Program, sponsored by the Council of Chief State School Officers.

Now in her 36th year of teaching, Graham (center) has taught the parents—and in some cases, grandparents—of some of her current students.

selection committee, says, “Sheena epitomizes what a great teacher is. It starts with

“I had four of the greatest educational influencers in the world,” she says. “They watered, weeded, and nourished me so that I would bloom long after they were gone.” Graham’s teaching career also has deep roots in the city of Bridgeport, where she has taught the parents— and in some cases, grandparents—of some of her current students. At the announcement that took place at her school in October, Graham spoke to the many challenges teachers face every day in our public schools—issues that CEA has brought before legislators at the

love for your students and community, along with excellence in your craft and knowledge of your subject area. Sheena goes even further, teaching that compassion and caring are

Graham directs her school choir, leading off the award ceremony.

Graham leads students in an exuberant, three-part, a cappella, African-style song that requires them to learn new vocal harmonies, rhythms, and a new language.

Congratulating Graham are Bridgeport Education Association President Gary Peluchette, CEA Vice President Tom Nicholas, and CEA President Jeff Leake.