Vernon 2025-26 Teacher of the Year Named

VERNON, CT — Band Teacher Kelly Stein has been named Teacher of the Year in Vernon.

Here is the official announcement:

The Teacher of the Year Committee is pleased to announce that Kelly Stein has been named the Vernon Public Schools 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year.

Kelly is a patient, flexible, innovative, and empathetic teacher whose passion for music is evident in everything she does. She believes that music is for everyone and has developed resources to support her diverse group of students across all five elementary schools. Kelly has an exceptional ability to motivate and inspire students to do their best, even when faced with challenges.

She is constantly learning, creating new ways to engage students, and designing lessons that are both challenging and supportive so all students can reach their full potential.In addition, Kelly works tirelessly to ensure the band program is accessible to all students by maintaining the school’s inventory of instruments so financial circumstances never become a barrier to participation.

Her dedication, positivity, and commitment to equity make her an outstanding educator and an excellent representative of our district.