NEW BRITAIN — More than 1,000 friends, colleagues and family members will gather in New Britain tonight to celebrate teachers of the year from over 100 Connecticut communities at the annual Awards Ceremony sponsored by the State Board of Education.

The event will be  from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Central Connecticut State University’s Herbert Welte Hall.
Anthony Mullen, Connecticut’s 2009 Teacher of the Year who became the 2009 National Teacher of the Year, will speak about his work to prevent at risk students from dropping out of school. He will also assist members of the State Board of Education and State Education Commissioner Mark K. McQuillan to recognize district teachers of the year and the 2010 Connecticut State Teacher of the Year, Kristi M. Luetjen, a kindergarten teacher from Whiting Lane School in West Hartford.

The Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program is supported by ING and by the SmarterKids Foundation.

WASHINGTON, DC — Connecticut’s Teacher of the Year is now the 2009 National Teacher of the Year.

Anthony Mullen worked his way through college while rising in the ranks of the New York City Police Department. His second career as a teacher in Greenwich’s ARCH School, an alternative high school for at-risk and special needs teens, has given him a chance to make a difference in the lives of some of the district’s most challenged students.

He has many fans across the board, including state Education Commissioner Mark K. McQuillan.

“Anthony Mullen truly knows what the phrase ‘No Child Left Behind’ means when it comes to helping his students. He serves as an inspiration and role model for all of us,” McQuillan said.  “Teachers who work with our most challenged youngsters are dedicated professionals who can make all the difference in helping them to find success in the world. They work miracles every day to turn around students’ lives.”

Governor M. Jodi Rell offered her congratulations, saying, “This is wonderful news for the teachers of our state. Anthony Mullen is an outstanding educator who exemplifies the best traditions in teaching. His work in the classroom is focused on helping all students achieve.  It is challenging work to meet the needs of children every day, and I cannot emphasize enough the impact that our teachers’ efforts – and their success – have on our state’s future. My best wishes go to Tony Mullen as the 2009 National Teacher of the Year and to all educators who, each day, make a difference in the lives of children.”

“The NYPD provided plenty of opportunity to work with troubled teenagers – young people destined for prison unless they received the benefits of a quality education and positive adult role models. I wanted to be that role model,” stated the honoree.

Mullen has been teaching in Greenwich for seven years. He is highly regarded by students, staff and administrators. He has introduced several new courses to engage his students, including forensics, electronics, carpentry and horticulture. He is credited with having high energy and an enthusiastic spirit in his classroom, where his goal is to help students overcome obstacles in order to earn their high school diploma. His approach is hands-on and practical with a mix of good humor.

As National Teacher of the Year, Anthony Mullen will travel the country speaking with education groups on the value of good teaching. He will participate in numerous advisory committees.