Bridgeport Educator Named 2019 CT Teacher Of The Year

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Harding High School performing arts and choir teacher Sheena Graham was named the 2019 Connecticut Teacher of the Year. The award is the highest honor for an educator in Connecticut.

Gov. Dannel Malloy, State Department of Education Commissioner Dianna Wentzell and others surprised Graham at her school Tuesday morning to deliver the news. Graham will now be the state's representative for the national 2019 Teacher of the Year.

Graham has taught for 36 years from pre-K through 12th grade.

"Mrs. Graham exemplifies the qualities that we all look for in a teacher – she provides a supportive environment where her young students can learn from their mistakes while receiving the guidance and attention necessary to grow into our next generation of leaders," Malloy said.

Graham said at the end of the day she hopes her students leave with positive connections in life.

"My greatest contribution to students today is providing them with opportunities, through music, to discover their passions, develop their voice, create community connections, and see that they have the ability to impact others positively,” Graham told the council as they were reviewing candidates.

Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council President Dr. David Bosso said that Graham has taught thousands of students over the years and is a pillar in the community.

"Sheena sees the uniqueness and potential in all of her students, and she deeply understands the power that teachers have in making a positive difference in their lives," Bosso said. "Sheena will be an inspirational representative of Connecticut’s teachers and a staunch advocate for our students. We look forward to learning from her and her fellow district teachers of the year during their year of honor.”

Graham said her grandmommy Candace, Aunt Dorothy and her parents Fred and Annie were her greatest educational influencers and taught her the value of education and literacy at a young age. Graham's aunt was also a teacher.

Graham also runs a poetry club, coaches cheerleading, softball, drill team and dance troupe. She also teachers free piano and drama classes at Hall Neighborhood House Academy of Music and Fine Arts.

"Mrs. Sheena Graham exemplifies an abundance of passion for her profession and her extraordinary love of music transcends to each student she has the pleasure of interacting with each school day,” Bridgeport Superintendent Dr. Aresta Johnson said. “She is admired, respected, and revered within her profession and the Bridgeport community."

Harding High Principal Dane Brown said that Graham has been an exemplary teacher for a long period of time.

"Having Ms. Graham as a member of our community makes us better by the way that she impacts the student population, Brown said. "However, it does not stop there. Ms. Graham’s intrinsic drive and desire to be great is infectious. Her colleagues feed off her positive energy and her collegiality, which enriches our community. It is an honor to work with such a dedicated professional."

Image via Gov. Malloy office