Brendan Walsh Named Enfield Teacher of the Year

As Fermi High School gets set to host a Kindness Carnival sponsored by the Friends of Rachel Club, it is fitting that the teacher who coordinated that initiative is being recognized as Enfield's Teacher of the Year.

Brendan Walsh, a business education teacher at Fermi since 2007, was chosen for the honor, and will represent Enfield in the Connecticut Teacher of the Year competition.

Walsh, who worked as a financial analyst before becoming an educator, said he is "surprised and honored" at his selection.

"I've been given a lot of flexibility at Fermi to try new things in the classroom, as well as to increase school spirit," Walsh said. "The teachers and staff have all really contributed a lot towards making each student's experience a positive one. I am thrilled to share this award with all of my colleagues at Fermi High."

Walsh graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the State University of New York at Albany in 1993. He also has a master's degree in Educational Technology and Secondary Administration. 

"Brendan Walsh is a very special individual," Fermi principal Paul Newton said. "He consistently goes above and beyond to help make the lives of all students at Fermi (not just those in his class) better. His passion for helping others through his leadership of our For Rachel Club is unparalleled. He has led this important initiative at Fermi and taken huge strides to improve and enliven the climate of our school. In the classroom, Brendan creates a very special learning environment for his students. Their relationships are built on mutual respect and honesty. Brendan stands by his classroom doorway each and every period and greets each student with a handshake and a kind word. He encourages and gets the best out of each and every student through his positive and caring approach in class. Brendan is an outstanding choice for Enfield's Teacher of the Year. All of the members of the Fermi Family wish Brendan the best as he moves forward in the statewide competition for Connecticut Teacher of the Year."