Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced on Monday that Julian Curtiss School’s John Ehlinger is the district’s selection for Connecticut State Dept of Education 2027 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program.
“I am so impressed with the way that Mr. Ehlinger has helped each of his students stay engaged, and the way that he poses critical questions to his students, pushing their thinking forward,” Dr. Jones said in a release. “He has a gentle way of asking probing questions, while also simultaneously building up their confidence. Mr. Ehlinger’s love of learning is contagious amongst his students.”
“As both an ALP teacher and former ALP student, I have experienced, first hand, the value of what I do, and the effect Greenwich Public Schools and the ALP program have on my students,” Ehlinger said. “I was welcomed into my position at Julian Curtiss School fresh out of college and the community of kindness, grace, and support by colleagues and administrators have fostered my growth, shaping me into the teacher I am today. It is my pleasure to provide the same care to my colleagues, parents, and students, just as it has been provided to me.”
According to the Connecticut State Dept of Education, the Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence. It does not attempt to select the “best” teacher, but rather identify, from among many outstanding teachers of the year, one teacher to serve as a visible and vocal representative of what is best in the profession. The program celebrates excellence in teaching by recognizing teachers who have inspired a love for learning in their students and who have distinguished themselves in the profession.
“John Ehlinger represents the best of Julian Curtiss School because he combines rigorous, real-world instruction with a deep commitment to knowing every student as an individual, whether through his Advanced Learning Program classroom or his work shaping district-wide support for twice-exceptional learners,” Julian Curtiss School Principal Eduardo Calderón said. “He extends that same generosity beyond his classroom, collaborating with colleagues, leading district-wide curriculum work, and giving students ownership of major school projects like our spring production. His work reflects the standard of dedication and care that defines our staff at JC, and it is a privilege to see that work recognized districtwide. Julian Curtiss is a better place because of the work he does every day, and this recognition is so well deserved.”
Ehlinger has been with Greenwich Public Schools since 2012 as an Advanced Learning Program teacher in grades 2-5 at Julian Curtiss School and has collaborated with district leadership on summer curriculum development. He has been an active leader in GPS’ Odyssey of the Mind program for the past seven years as assistant coach, head coach, town coordinator, and Connecticut’s primary problem captain. Also, he has been the technical director of the JCS stage crew since 2023.
Ehlinger received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Education from the University of Connecticut.
For more information about the CT Teacher of the Year Program, including its history, purpose, benefits, eligibility requirements, selection process, and the duties of the Connecticut Teacher of the Year, visit the CSDE website.