Glastonbury High School Writing Champion Named Teacher Of The Year

GLASTONBURY, CT — Glastonbury High School English teacher Timothy Sanderson has been named the Glastonbury Public Schools 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year.

The announcement was made Monday.

Here is it in full:

Congratulations to Mr. Timothy Sanderson, the Glastonbury Public Schools 2023-2024 Teacher of the Year. Sanderson is a dynamic teacher and a champion of student voices.

Entering his 25th year of teaching English at Glastonbury High School, Sanderson firmly believes that when it comes to writing, all students are capable.

Over the years, Sanderson has taught a variety of high school courses that include Freshman English, Honors Sophomore English, Poetry, and English 11, a course that is dual enrolled with the University of Connecticut.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alan Bookman calls Sanderson a “superb and seasoned master educator,” adding that “there is no mistaking Tim’s deep knowledge of and passion for literature, his exceptional teaching instincts, and the profound and positive influence he’s had on students.”

In his English classes, you are most likely to find Sanderson circulating among students who are actively discussing, collaborating, sharing, leading, and teaching one another. Sanderson is patient and a sensitive listener. He harnesses these skills to empower his students to speak up and, most importantly, to write."

Sanderson believes that “students thrive and succeed and grow when they have permission to express themselves—to be themselves.”

In the classroom, he endeavors to celebrate students and their work as much as possible. He strives to create a class environment where students feel comfortable and confident. He guides students to see themselves as writers.

Sanderson also celebrates students and their writing outside the classroom. He advises the high school’s literary magazine which features student writers and artists digitally and in print. In 2016, Sanderson launched the English Department’s “Evening of Rhyme and Rhetoric.” At this event student writers, artists, and musicians showcase their talents for the Glastonbury community.

Sanderson helps student writers prepare for the evening by conferencing with them after school. To date, nearly 100 high school students have enjoyed the spotlight during this special event.

But Sanderson is not someone who craves the spotlight himself, according to fellow English Teachers Lisa Scarola and Mark Dursin. These colleagues describe Sanderson as “a quiet, reserved person.”

They are quick to note, however, that “his inner extrovert really comes out in the classroom.” For years they have witnessed Sanderson taking students on an inspiring journey to understand and appreciate English literature.

In his Teacher of the Year faculty address, Sanderson expressed deep appreciation for his colleagues and family. “I am in awe of the teachers throughout our district who take on each day with grace, enthusiasm, and compassion,” he said. “I’m lucky to be standing up here today. So many teachers deserve recognition. I mean, even in my own immediate family, there's a teacher who outshines me.”

Sanderson’s wife Heather teaches grade 7 science at Smith Middle School.

Ms. Kate Lund, the current Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, has worked directly with Sanderson for seven years as Director of English/Language Arts and Library Media 6-12. She notes Sanderson’s “steadfast and tireless dedication to his craft and his students.”

She continues, “Year after year, Tim receives unsolicited accolades. From emails and hand-written notes to nominations and invitations, I have never observed such consistent and explicit appreciation and admiration for an individual teacher.”

Sanderson received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Connecticut. He also served as a UConn English 1007 Adjunct Professor in 2022. Over the years Sanderson has advised several Glastonbury High School student clubs, assisted in writing curriculum for the district’s English Department, and served on a variety of committees including the Glastonbury High School Accreditation Committee. He serves as a mentor for both new teachers and student-teachers. Sanderson’s commitment to his students is an inspiration to all who know him. He represents the very best in education and Glastonbury Public Schools is immensely proud to recognize him as Teacher of the Year.