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CT 2017 Teacher of the Year is North Branford's Danner

As Governor Dannel P. Malloy told the students of North Branford High School (NBHS) this afternoon,  there is only one 2017 Connecticut Teacher of Year, and as of today, that extraordinary educator is none other than NBHS Science teacher Lauren Danner, who is also a resident of North Branford.

Malloy came to town at 1 p.m. to join a dais filled with local and state government and education dignitaries at North Branford Auditorium to announce Danner had been selected for the huge honor. The news was met with a standing ovation from an audience filled with NBHS students, faculty and school district members and community members.  Danner is not only an NBHS teacher but an alumna of the school. Danner and her husband have two young sons.

"It is a high honor. It only happens once a year in this state, where we recognize one teacher," said Malloy, noting Danner "took a different path to teaching" that should serve as additional inspiration.

"She became a scientist before she taught science," said Malloy. "And it was in conversation that she had with a number of people that she was helping to train in science at work, that really called upon her to go back to school and get her Master's Degree in teaching, and them come to this great place for the last seven years and really teach science, but create magic at the same time....she's a great science teacher, but she is a wonderful role model."

Danner joined NBHS in her first teaching role in 2010 and is now NBHS Science Department chair.  In 2012, a student inspired by Danner's work entered her in a nationwide inspirational educator contest. With voting support from the community, Danner went on to become the national winner; earning NBHS $10,000 to use for district extra-curricular programs. And, as reported at Zip06 in August 2016, the school district honored Danner as North Branford 2017 Teacher of the Year. The honor put Danner in the running for the state title (see the story here)  Asked by Zip06 at the time what message would she share statewide with teachers to help students achieve success, Danner answered, "Passion and positivity. When we convey both passion and a positive attitude, the possibilities for our students are endless. It is so important for teachers to convey passion for what we are teaching so that students can see the relevance of their learning."

In addition to Governor Malloy, other dignitaries who came to honor Danner today included CT Commissioner of Education Dr. Dianna Wentzell, State Senator Ted Kennedy Jr. (D-District 12), State Representative Vincent Candelora (R- District 86), American Federation of Teachers CT President Jan Hochadel, North Branford Board of Education (BOE) Chair Phil Dahlmeyer and BOE members, Town Manager Michael Paulhus, Mayor Michael Doody and Town Council member Marie Diamond; together with North Branford Superintendent of Schools Scott Schoonmaker, NBHS principal Todd Stoeffler and NBHS junior, Sara Criscuolo.

Schoonmaker thanked Danner's family for supporting "...the time and energy that goes into being an exceptional teacher" and also thanked Danner for "...setting the bar at a level that makes all of us around her much better."

Speaking on behalf of NBHS students, Criscuolo said when the Teacher of the Year selection committee visited NBHS a few weeks back and talked with students, "They saw the tremendous impact Mrs. Danner has on her students. They saw the light in our eyes when we spoke about her, they saw the passion. They saw the love, and that was enough for them to know that she is something extraordinary. She is someone that all the teachers in our state should look up to."

Wentzell, the state's top education official, said there were many "wonderful reasons" why Danner was selected 2017 Connecticut Teacher of the Year. She also complimented the school district and the town.

"I think it's a great testament to this community that our Teacher of the Year is a graduate of your high school. That says a lot about your community," said Wentzell. "Here in North Branford, you've done a wonderful job demonstrating the kind of excellence and equity we need for all of our kids...you are a role model for the state."

Wentzell said the selection committee was impressed with the many testimonials given on behalf of Danner, including those from students past and present.  NBHS Principal Todd Stoeffler later echoed that, noting that many parents he contacted were "thrilled" to speak on Danner's behalf.

"They gushed with insights regarding Mrs. Danner's impact on their children," said Stoeffler, adding many noted Danner's former students continued their education with majors in science or the field of medicine and had also gone onto careers in those fields.

"They pointed to her as the spark that put them on the path," said Stoeffler, who also praised Danner as, "A true professional, a peer, a graduate of North Branford High School and someone who continues to make our school a better place.  As department chair, she meets the needs of department members while holding them accountable to meet student needs. She faces challenges full force and is a strong advocate for students; while holding all to high standards and expectations."

Wentzell said it was Danner's expectations for her students which has helped them to reach their potential.

"She believes in you, and we believe in Mrs. Danner," said Wentzell. "From her ability to inspire you to think critically and her commitment to using the newest technology in her lessons, she sets herself apart. She engages students in a lifelong love of learning."

An ebullient Danner gratefully acknowledged her family and her community of peers, students, parents and administrators and local education and government leaders for their support.

"I started as research scientist hoping to have a positive impact the lives of others with discoveries (but) I'm too much of talker and story teller," said Danner. "I feel so lucky I have a job that I absolutely love to do, and I get excited each and every day for the awesome things I get to see my students achieve."

Danner said she was thankful for the "outpouring of love and support I have received from all of you during these last few weeks," and especially thanked students for their "words, sincerity and passion in helping me to achieve this great honor."

"For those of you who know me, or have had me as a teacher, you know that I live in my happy place -- and my classroom is always an extension of that happy little bubble I choose to live in. As a former NBHS student, I see small part of me in each and every student I work with," said Danner. " I am so humbled and honored to be selected as a representative of education in Connecticut, and I will do my best to make the state of Connecticut proud. I'm so excited for the wonderful opportunities and experiences that I will have on this journey, and no matter where the journey takes me, I will always be a T-Bird and I will always bleed purple. Thank you."

Wentzell said one of the goals for each Connecticut Teacher of the Year is to serve as a role model in the state and share their expertise and knowledge with others.

"This is something that Mrs. Danner has already achieved in our state," Wentzell pointed out. "As you may know, [Waterbury educator] Jahana Hayes, our 2016 Teacher of the Year (did) an outstanding job representing Connecticut over the last academic year; and we know that she went on to earn the title of National Teacher of the Year; and is sharing her story with people all over the country and all over the world. We think Connecticut should keep that title for two years in a row! I look forward to working closely with Mrs. Danner as she shows teachers, leaders and educational advocates in Connecticut and around the country how she inspires her students,  as she represents Connecticut in the coming year."