'Deeply Committed' Educator Named Glastonbury Public Schools 2025-26 Teacher of the Year

GLASTONBURY, CT — The Glastonbury Public Schools 2025-26 Teacher of the Year is Joey Meyer.

The award was made official with a Monday announcement. Meyer also found out Monday he is a state semifinalist.

"Dynamic, creative, and deeply committed to his students, Glastonbury High School's Joey Meyer has been named the Glastonbury Public Schools 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year," the announcement said.

Superintendent of Schools Alan Bookman said that, "Mr. Meyer is among the most extraordinary educators in our state. He has a magnetic personality, deep sincerity, and unwavering idealism."

Now entering his 21st year teaching Latin at Glastonbury High School, Meyer instructs his students with "purpose and charisma:" and is known for his lively classes that capture and hold students' interests, school system officials said.

Bookman points out that Meyer’s highly entertaining Latin lessons bring life and passion to the
subject, and that he also thoughtfully tailors his support to meet each student’s unique needs.

Meyer believes Latin is a window into other cultures and perspectives that enables students to draw connections to their own lives and, through his teaching, Meyer has inspired "countless students to deepen their understanding of our complex world and the people in it," school system officials said.

Another of Meyer’s core beliefs is that all students can succeed given the right support. He "invests great effort in setting up classrooms where all students, regardless of ability, feel safe and empowered to learn," school system officials said.

"Students are the variable we cannot control," Meyer said. "Adapting is how we become
the solution."

Director of World Languages and English Language Learners Amanda Robustelli-Price states that, "Mr. Meyer is one of the most exceptional educators I have come across in 24 years."

She said he is an eager listener and someone who laughs with ease.

"His dedication, kindness and good humor make him an exceptionally popular member of the GHS school community. He's the kind of colleague who connects with everyone and sings Happy Birthday with unmatched enthusiasm," she added.

Beyond the classroom, Meyer has strengthened the GHS community by planning school-wide activities, producing videos, and leading the GHS Advisory program, which prepares more than 100 student facilitators to foster peer connections during monthly extended homerooms. Meyer was recognized with the GHS Essence Award in 2021.

"The award was well-deserved, because Mr. Meyer's leadership has had a significant and lasting impact on our school," GHS Principal Nancy Bean said.

Mr. Meyer has designed and facilitated a number of classical language workshops and is a member and leader in local and state classical language councils.

He has a bachelor’s degree in classical civilizations from Wesleyan University and a master's degree in teaching Latin and classical humanities from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

"We are proud to celebrate Mr. Meyer as our Teacher of the Year. His teaching excellence and dedication to students embody the very best of Glastonbury Public Schools," school system officials said.