Greenwich Nominee Revealed For 'Connecticut Teacher Of The Year'

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich Public Schools has selected Julian Curtiss School teacher John Ehlinger as its nominee for the Connecticut State Department of Education's 2027 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program, Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced Monday.

The Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program recognizes teacher excellence and selects one educator to serve as a representative of the profession. According to the Connecticut State Department of Education, the program recognizes teachers who have inspired a love of learning in students and distinguished themselves in the field.

"I am so impressed with the way that Mr. Ehlinger has helped each of his students stay engaged, and the way that he poses critical questions to his students, pushing their thinking forward," Jones said in an announcement. "He has a gentle way of asking probing questions, while also simultaneously building up their confidence. Mr. Ehlinger’s love of learning is contagious amongst his students."

Ehlinger has worked for GPS since 2012 as an Advanced Learning Program teacher for students in grades 2 through 5 at Julian Curtiss School. He has also collaborated with district leadership on summer curriculum development.

"As both an ALP teacher and former ALP student, I have experienced, first hand, the value of what I do, and the effect Greenwich Public Schools and the ALP program have on my students," Ehlinger said in an announcement. "I was welcomed into my position at Julian Curtiss School fresh out of college and the community of kindness, grace, and support by colleagues and administrators have fostered my growth, shaping me into the teacher I am today. It is my pleasure to provide the same care to my colleagues, parents, and students, just as it has been provided to me."

Julian Curtiss School Principal Eduardo Calderón said Ehlinger's work extends beyond the classroom through curriculum development, collaboration with colleagues and support for students.

"John Ehlinger represents the best of Julian Curtiss School because he combines rigorous, real-world instruction with a deep commitment to knowing every student as an individual, whether through his Advanced Learning Program classroom or his work shaping district-wide support for twice-exceptional learners," Calderón said.

"He extends that same generosity beyond his classroom, collaborating with colleagues, leading district-wide curriculum work, and giving students ownership of major school projects like our spring production," Calderón added. "His work reflects the standard of dedication and care that defines our staff at JC, and it is a privilege to see that work recognized districtwide. Julian Curtiss is a better place because of the work he does every day, and this recognition is so well deserved."

Ehlinger has also been involved with GPS's Odyssey of the Mind program for the past seven years, serving as an assistant coach, head coach, town coordinator and Connecticut's primary problem captain. Since 2023, he has served as technical director of the Julian Curtiss School stage crew.

He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in education from the University of Connecticut.

For more information about the CT Teacher of the Year Program, including its history, purpose, benefits, eligibility requirements, selection process, and the duties of the Connecticut Teacher of the Year, visit the CSDE website.