Kindergarten Educator Named 2024-25 Glastonbury Teacher of the Year

GLASTONBURY, CT — Naubuc Elementary School kindergarten teacher Carol Lemieux has been named the Glastonbury Public Schools 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year.

The announcenent was made Monday. On Tuesday, she was selected as a Connecticut State Teacher of the Year Semifinalist.

For 26 years Lemieux has "captivated young students with her positive, calm and joyous demeanor and her early childhood teaching expertise," school officials said.

Lemieux started her teaching career as a second-grade teacher at Naubuc before switching to teach kindergarten at the former Eastbury School for one year.

Lemieux has since taught kindergarten at Naubuc, where she also leads a number of student clubs, school-wide initiatives, and charity fundraisers.

Lemieux said she believes that helping students "feel included, safe, and valued" is the foundation for learning.

She "works to meet her kindergarten students and families where they are as they begin their elementary school journey," school system officials said.

Lemieux added, "Building classroom community is my fundamental benchmark. In my
classroom, we take care of one another. We support and celebrate life's ups and downs together. With that strong class community firmly in place, the sky is the limit on my students' academic achievement."

Glastonbury Superintendent of Schools Alan Bookman praised Lemieux’s ability to connect with students and families.

"It doesn’t take long for her students' families to recognize and appreciate how fortunate
their children are to be learning from Mrs. Lemieux," he said.

School officials called Lemieux "a champion of purposeful play," who "helps her young learners take on new challenges without fear."

Throughout the school year she works to load up student "tool belts" with academic, emotional,
and social skills, school system officials said.

Lemieux is also passionate about kindergarten readiness. She closely follows research
on the positive effects of reading to and discussing books with young children before they start school, officials added.

According to Naubuc Principal Michael Litke, Lemieux "stands out for her dedication, selflessness, passion and leadership." He describes her as "an outstanding educator who not only inspires students but also elevates the entire teaching profession."

Lemieux has been recognized in the past with the Friends of Glastonbury Youth Distinguished Service Award, the Connecticut Association of Schools Recognition of Excellence Award, and a Superintendent's Award for Parent of the Year in her hometown.

She received a bachelor's degree from Bryant University, a master's from the University of Hartford, and a sixth-year degree from the University of New England.

"Mrs. Lemieux leaves a lasting impression on her students and their families. She represents the best of her profession and is an inspiration to educators throughout Glastonbury Public Schools. Teaching kindergarten students, especially those with the greatest needs, is truly her calling," Bookman said.