Naugatuck's Teacher Of The Year Named

NAUGATUCK, CT — The Naugatuck Board of Education announced Jodie Burns, a first grade teacher at Maple Hill Elementary School, as the District’s Teacher of the Year. She received the surprise news in class last week.

Burns, who has been teaching in the District for 14 years, was chosen from a select group of teachers nominated in the District. Among her many successes and accomplishments, Burns has been running a voluntary after school homework program at Maple Hill for years. In 2013, she was recognized with a CAS Award for her Hoops and Homework Program. This program has provided the opportunity for hundreds of students to engage in homework and basketball related fun after school.

Burns’ impact on students extends far beyond the walls of Maple Hill. In the name of her late husband, she raises money for scholarships for Naugatuck High School seniors and has awarded thousands of dollars to students.