Wendy Nelson-Kauffman, social studies teacher at the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) Metropolitan Learning Center (MLC) was recognized as National Teacher of the Year by the Magnet Schools of America at the 30th Annual National Conference on Magnet Schools, in Dallas, Texas.

Magnet Schools of America's Magnet Teacher of-the-Year Award annually recognizes an outstanding, dedicated full-time teacher who exemplifies excellence in academic achievement through innovative programs that promote equity and diversity for students in Magnet Schools.

"I am honored to be recognized for simply doing every day what I love," explained Nelson-Kauffman following her award.

With grace and pride Nelson-Kauffman accepted her award and addressed the audience with a compelling speech.

"It is wonderful to be able to highlight her amazing work and unrelenting commitment to our students," said MLC principal Sasha Douglas.

Wendy Nelson-Kauffman is an International Baccalaureate Personal Project Coordinator and has been teaching Social Studies at MLC since 2004. She was selected as the Connecticut Teacher of the Year in 2003, the Connecticut History Teacher of the Year in 2005, and the CREC District Teacher of the Year in 2011. She considers her greatest accomplishment the internationally recognized work of her students to raise awareness of human trafficking, child labor, and fair trade through Student Abolitionists Stopping Slavery. Nelson-Kauffman is a resident of West Hartford.

"Magnet schools are an amazing place for me to work because they were designed with a dual mission: to engage in rigorous and innovative teaching, and also to close the achievement gap, which is a topic about which I am passionate," explained Nelson-Kauffman. "Every day, teachers at MLC and across America are charged with the most important responsibility in our country- preparing our next generation to lead and be productive citizens. I am so excited to be a part of that and to be recognized for it."

The teacher of the year award honors a PreK-12 Magnet School Teacher who has demonstrated excellence in the teaching profession, community, and parental involvement. Nelson-Kauffman received the award because she is acknowledged by peers, parents and students for the exemplary contributions she has made to the teaching profession and for her ability to inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to excel.

Earlier in the year, three CREC Magnet Schools were chosen by Magnet Schools of America to receive the prestigious Magnet School of Distinction award, and one CREC Magnet School was awarded the top honor as a Magnet School of Excellence for 2012. Magnet Schools of America issues the national merit awards annually based on the school's commitment to high academic standards, curriculum innovation, diversity, and the consistent delivery of an exceptional education to all students.
Read The Courant's article covering this event.
Read the West Hartford News' article.

Wendy Nelson-Kauffman accepts her National Teacher of the Year Award at the Magnet Schools of America National Conference in Dallas, Texas. "2012 National Teacher of-the-Year; Wendy Nelson-Kauffman; Metropolitan Learning Center Interdistrict Magnet School for Global and International Studies; Bloomfield, CT; In recognition of an outstanding instructional leader having succeeded in providing innovative programs that promote equity, diversity, and academic excellence for students in magnet schools; 30th national conference on magnet schools; Dallas, Texas; May 18-21, 2012."