Berlin HS Teacher Named Connecticut's 2027 Teacher Of The Year

BERLIN, CT — A Berlin High School biology teacher whose students have earned national recognition for their scientific research and inventions has been named Connecticut's 2027 Teacher of the Year.

Christopher Wisniewski received the state's highest teaching honor Friday, Oct. 23, during a surprise assembly at Berlin High School attended by Gov. Ned Lamont, Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker, students, colleagues, and community members.

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The award recognizes exceptional educators who demonstrate outstanding dedication to their students and the teaching profession.

"Christopher Wisniewski is a wonderful example of the difference a great teacher can make, inspiring students to pursue their interests, challenge themselves, and achieve remarkable things both inside and outside the classroom," Lamont said.

Wisniewski, a graduate of Stratford Public Schools, was the first in his family to graduate from college. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in biology from Southern Connecticut State University, where he is pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies.

He also teaches biology as an adjunct instructor at the university.

At Berlin High School, Wisniewski has focused on expanding opportunities for students to earn college credits, conduct scientific research, and develop inventions addressing real-world problems.

Among his accomplishments is helping establish zoology as Berlin's first Southern Connecticut State University early college course.

He also co-developed the state-funded SCSU Early College Business of Science program, through which more than 95% of participating students have earned college credit.

Students Earn National Recognition For Bat Research

One of Wisniewski's most notable projects involved leading Berlin High School's Carpe Noctem team, which was selected for the Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams program.

Berlin was one of eight schools nationwide chosen to participate.

The students combined field research and engineering to develop a bioenvironmental system designed to address white-nose syndrome, a disease affecting bat populations.

Their work resulted in a U.S. provisional patent application naming all 10 participating students as inventors.

The project also earned the Golden Beaver Award from the MIT Lincoln Laboratory Beaver Works Center, recognizing Carpe Noctem as the top team in the national InvenTeams cohort.

Students presented their research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and before the Connecticut State Board of Education in April 2026.

They also presented their findings this fall at the North American Symposium on Bat Research in Colorado.

Berlin is Connecticut's only school district participating in the Lemelson-MIT National Invention Education Pathways initiative.

Wisniewski is developing the district's Innovation and Applied Science Pathway, which will connect science, technology, invention and business education.

The initiative is intended to help students turn their ideas into practical applications.

State, Local Education Leaders Praise Teacher

Russell-Tucker said Wisniewski's teaching encourages students to explore new ideas and apply classroom lessons to real-world challenges.

"He creates opportunities that empower every learner's journey by encouraging students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world challenges, ask questions, explore new ideas, and see themselves as scientists and innovators," Russell-Tucker said.

Berlin Superintendent of Schools Brian Benigni praised Wisniewski's commitment to helping students reach their potential.

"I could not be prouder to have Chris as a teacher for the Berlin Public Schools district," Benigni said. "Chris reminds us of what is possible when an extraordinary teacher is fully invested in their students and believes in the maximum potential of every one of them."

Berlin High School Principal Katie Amenta said Wisniewski has developed programs that extend beyond traditional classroom instruction.

"His students do not merely learn biology; they conduct authentic research, collaborate with professionals in the field, and innovate meaningful solutions to pressing environmental challenges," Amenta said.

David Bosso, executive director of the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council and the state's 2012 Teacher of the Year, said Wisniewski's selection reflected his accomplishments and ability to connect with students.

"It is readily apparent that Chris has had a significant and enduring impact on the students and staff of his school community and beyond," Bosso said.

Kate Dias, president of the Connecticut Education Association, also praised Wisniewski for making science accessible and creating opportunities for students to collaborate and experiment.

"Chris Wisniewski knows how to make science make sense and inspire," Dias said.

Will Represent Connecticut In National Competition

The Connecticut Teacher of the Year is selected annually by the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council through a process that includes applications, interviews, and school visits.

Wisniewski succeeds Brian Betesh, a sixth-grade social studies teacher at Rogers Park Middle School in Danbury, who was named Connecticut's 2026 Teacher of the Year.

As the state's 2027 honoree, Wisniewski will represent Connecticut as a finalist for the 2027 National Teacher of the Year award.

From Oct. 30, 2025: 'Berlin HS Goes To Bat For Bats And Its Efforts Are Rewarded'

From April 28, 2021: 'Berlin High School Teacher Wins Rookie Of The Year'