2026–27 Teacher of the Year Teacher Of The Year Named For Glastonbury Public Schools

GLASTONBURY, CT — The Glastonbury public school system had named Kate Ingram the 2026–27 Teacher of the Year.

Here is the formal announcement:

Smith Middle School Choir Director Kate Ingram has been named the 2026–2027 Glastonbury Public Schools Teacher of the Year.

A joyful and passionate educator, Mrs. Ingram is deeply committed to helping every student find a place to belong.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Scott Hurwitz was not surprised by the selection.

“When I learned that Kate Ingram had been named Glastonbury Public Schools’ Teacher of the Year, my first thought was, ‘Of course,’” he said.

Dr. Hurwitz first saw Mrs. Ingram teach nearly 12 years ago, when her choir performed for sixth graders at Gideon Welles School. He recalls watching approximately 150 students sing, dance, and move together and noticing how much they loved being on that stage.

“I remember sitting in the auditorium and thinking, ‘Wow, this teacher is incredible,’” he said. “Her enthusiasm and love for music were undeniable.”

Mrs. Ingram has served as Smith Middle School’s choral and theater director since 2012. She directs the seventh- and eighth-grade choirs, teaches theater classes, and has helped establish a thriving musical and artistic community at the school. Enrollment in the choral program tripled during her first three years as director. Her eighth-grade non-auditioned choir has earned top honors at the Music in the Parks competition for 14 consecutive years and was selected as the 2026 Connecticut Music Educators Association Middle School Showcase Choir.

The foundation of Mrs. Ingram’s teaching philosophy is captured in a simple statement: “Teach the child
first, the music second.”

Mrs. Ingram maintains high expectations while taking the time to understand and support each student. Her classes include student choice, movement, flexible assessments, a wide variety of music and performance styles, and what students have come to know as “Ingram Life Lessons.”

“When students feel safe, they are more confident to be expressive,” Mrs. Ingram said. “They become partners in their education. They begin to take responsibility for both their failures and their successes.”

According to one parent, “What my daughter and peers have gained from Kate Ingram’s consistent
leadership can’t be bought, can’t be taught. She’s the real deal.” Another parent put it this way: “The confidence, friendships, and life skills students gain under her guidance often become some of the most meaningful parts of their middle school experience.”

Director of Music Leslie Lopez said Mrs. Ingram’s ability to connect with students is at the heart of her success.

“Kate understands that you have to capture kids’ hearts before you capture their minds, and
this philosophy is evident in every rehearsal and performance,” Lopez said.

Mrs. Ingram’s commitment to inclusion is also evident in her dedicated work outside the classroom. She co-founded Smith Middle School’s Gay Straight Alliance and currently facilitates Unified Theater, advises Select Choir and the talent show, and co-directs the school’s annual musical. Smith’s drama program now brings together nearly 150 students each year as performers, technicians, designers, and crew
members.

“The drama club brings the whole school to life,” said Smith Middle School Principal Dr. Bobby Skarvelas. “It gets so many students involved, teams with other clubs, and showcases our SMS Galaxy to the local community. Most importantly, it models a positive and supportive culture, where everyone feels like they belong.”

Mrs. Ingram’s choirs also perform throughout the school and community, including at pep rallies, awards ceremonies, Glastonbury’s Veterans Day observance, local retirement communities, and the Riverfront Community Center. Each summer, she mentors young performers as co-founding director, music director, and choreographer of Middletown Stage Company, which serves more than 200 students from across Connecticut.

A graduate of the University of Connecticut, Mrs. Ingram holds a master’s degree in music education from the University of Hartford’s Hartt School of Music and a master’s degree in pedagogy from Augusta University. She is active in state and regional music education organizations and has mentored aspiring and early-career teachers. Her previous honors include the Connecticut Association of Schools’
Excellence in Education Award.

For Mrs. Ingram, the greatest measure of success is seeing students discover what they can accomplish.
Before concerts, she tells her students they are like superheroes: they walk the school halls as Clark
Kent, then return at night, put on their capes, and make magic on the stage.

“I tell them they can fly,” she said. “And they do.”
Dr. Hurwitz said Mrs. Ingram puts students first, sets the bar high, celebrates every student, and creates the conditions for young people to become the best versions of themselves.
“That’s Kate,” he said. “I know of no educator who more fully embodies those qualities.”

Mrs. Ingram has also been selected as a semifinalist for Connecticut State Teacher of the Year.

Glastonbury Public Schools is proud that 10 of its last 12 Teachers of the Year have been selected state semifinalists.