MIDDLETOWN, Conn. — A fifth-grade teacher at Spencer School in Middletown has been named the Connecticut Parent Teacher Association’s Outstanding Educational Leader for 2024.
Jennifer Gudelski is the recipient of the award, as was announced in a release on Friday from Middletown Public Schools.
Gudelski was nominated for the award by the Spencer PTA, which praised her outstanding work in promoting parent involvement, leadership, communication, community engagement and professionalism.
“I am deeply honored by this recognition from the Connecticut PTA,” Gudelski said, in the release. “Building connections between school and home is critical for student success. This award belongs to the entire Spencer community who works together every day to create the best possible environment for our children to learn and grow.”
In the release, Gudelski stressed the importance of taking a “team approach” involving colleagues, families and the community at large to support the whole child. The district noted that she has created popular initiatives such as parent reading sessions and the Diversity Day whole-school project.
Melinda Gladden, president of the Spencer PTA, said Gudelski is a phenomenal educator who goes above and beyond to build strong partnerships between the school and families.
“She keeps families engaged through exceptional communication, invites them into the classroom and involves the whole community in the educational process,” Gladden said.
Gudelski is a teacher representative on the Spencer PTA’s Executive Board and has been a “driving force” in strengthening family-school partnerships, according to the release. She also plays a significant role in the district’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging commitment through her work as a DEIB coach and helping to train staff on creating supportive, inclusive school environments, the release said.
Spencer School Principal Richard Henderson said that Gudelski’s teaching foundation is built by fostering positive relationships with students and their families.
“She works tirelessly to get to know each child as an individual and make families true partners in their education,” Henderson said, in the release.
The award Gudelski received celebrates teachers who have made outstanding efforts to involve families and the community as partners in education. Gudelski was formally honored at the Connecticut PTA’s annual awards ceremony last Sunday.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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