Veteran HS Tech Teacher Is Farmington's Teacher Of The Year

FARMINGTON, CT — On Monday, Farmington Public Schools cut the ribbon on a new, state-of-the-art high school.

So it only makes sense the 2024-25 Farmington Public Schools Teacher of the Year starts work Tuesday on the first day of school at FHS.

The school system recently named Farmington High computer science teacher Timothy Barron as the top teacher for the new school year, an announcement confirmed recently by the Farmington Board of Education and Kathleen C. Greider, superintendent of schools.

Barron is a computer science, robotics, and STEM educator at FHS.

"His influence is vast as he, along with his students, promote access to computer science, robotics and STEM for all Farmington students beginning at a young age through outreach and programming," wrote Farmington Public Schools in an announcement.

Greider said Barron's role in teaching computer science — a job he's had since 2002 after serving from 1998 to 2001 as a school system tech specialist — is vital today.

“Mr. Barron’s unwavering dedication to the field of computer science has impacted the lives of countless students and positioned FHS as a leading high school in the field of STEM," she said.

"He generously dedicates his time beyond the school day and on weekends to the robotics program and his collaborative work has resulted in countless state and national awards and achievements at the individual, team, and school levels.

School board members also feted the tech teacher.

"He lifts others up with his mentorship and commitment to excellence in all aspects of his work as a teacher, mentor, and advisor," said Farmington Board of Education Chairman Bill Beckert.

"What makes FHS a special place for students to thrive are educators, like Tim, who give so much of their talents, time and relentless pursuit of improvement and innovation to their students and fellow colleagues."

Farmington High School Principal, Russ Crist agreed.

“FHS could not be more proud of the nomination of Mr. Tim Barron as the 2025 Teacher of the Year," said Crist.

"Mr. Barron is a student-centered educator who goes above and beyond for his students, both in and out of the classroom. He makes the most challenging courses accessible to all students and has been a leading advocate for females in STEM."

Barron said his time working in Farmington has been inspiring, with his colleagues and the school system helping him improve as a teacher.

“I am honored to be selected as Farmington's 2025 Teacher of the Year. Over the past 26 years, I have been inspired and supported by incredibly dedicated and talented colleagues who continue to uplift me today," Barron said.

"Early in my career, self-doubt was a challenge, but Farmington Public Schools provided me with the opportunity to find my footing in education in my own way."

Barron received a bachelor of science degree in physics and a master's in educational computing from the University of Hartford.

He joined Farmington High School as its technology applications specialist in 1998.

Barron transitioned to a classroom teacher in 2002, teaching multimedia, web design, and the only three sections of computer science offered.

For more information on Barron and the 2024-25 Farmington Public Schools Teacher of the Year Award, click on this link.