Connecticut Special Education Teacher to Be Honored as Teacher of the Year

A teacher can receive no greater reward than the knowledge that he or she helped recover a lost student.” That statement by Anthony Mullen comes from a lifetime of service in the public sector, first as a New York City police officer and then, to further transform the fractured lives of young people in crisis, as a teacher and mentor of teenagers who truly need a second chance. Because of his innovative approach, community focus, and teamwork with other teachers, Mullen will be named 2009 National Teacher of the Year by President Barack Obama at a White House ceremony on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 ... Sharon Turshen, the Greenwich district’s assistant director of pupil personnel services, is especially impressed with Mullen’s ability to connect with his students. “He establishes rapport with students who have not been able to develop relationships with other adults in school, and in many cases, at home as well.” she says. “He commands such respect in the classroom that students exhibit few, if any, behavioral issues. His teaching style, high behavioral expectations and concern for his students have resulted in a classroom environment that is focused on learning and mutual respect.”