Bristol, Conn. (WTIC Radio) - Connecticut's Teacher of the Year for 2023 is an instructor at Bristol Eastern High School.
Science teacher Carolyn Kielma learned of the honor this morning during a surprise assembly at the school.
Kielma has been teaching 20 years, the last 15 years teaching biology, biotechnology, and forensics, among other disciplines, at Bristol Eastern.
Governor Lamont was among those on hand, saying Kielma "embodies so many of the effective qualities that transform students lives."
Kielma says it's important to stress equity and inclusion in helping provide students opportunities and guidance in reaching their goals.
She will represent Connecticut for National Teacher of the Year honors.
Kielma succeeds 2022 Teacher of the Year, art teacher Kim King from Southeast Elementary School and Annie E. Vinton School in Mansfield.