Middletown Teacher Named CT PTA's 2024 Outstanding Educational Leader

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Jennifer Gudelski, a fifth-grade teacher at Spencer School in Middletown, has been named the Connecticut Parent Teacher Association's Outstanding Educational Leader for 2024.

Gudelski was nominated for the award by the Spencer School PTA, which praised her work in promoting parent involvement, leadership, communication, community engagement, and professionalism.

"Jennifer is an outstanding educator who goes above and beyond to build strong partnerships between the school and families," said Melinda Gladden, the president of the Spencer PTA. "She keeps families engaged through exceptional communication, invites them into the classroom, and involves the whole community in the educational process."

As a teacher representative on the Spencer PTA's Executive Board, Gudelski is considered to be a driving force in strengthening family-school partnerships.

She is also involved in the district's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging initiative through her work as a DEIB Coach, helping train staff on creating supportive, inclusive school environments.

"Fostering positive relationships with students and their families is the foundation of Jen's teaching philosophy," Spencer Principal Richard Henderson said. "She works tirelessly to get to know each child as an individual and make families true partners in their education."

Gudelski emphasized taking a "team approach" that involves colleagues, families, and the wider community in supporting the whole child. Her initiatives like parent reading sessions and the Diversity Day whole-school project have been widely popular.

"I am deeply honored by this recognition from the Connecticut PTA," Gudelski said. "Building connections between school and home is critical for student success. This award belongs to the entire Spencer community who works together every day to create the best possible environment for our children to learn and grow."

The Outstanding Educational Leader Award celebrates teachers who have made exceptional efforts to involve families and the community as partners in education. Gudelski was formally honored at the Connecticut PTA's annual awards ceremony on June 3.