It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s a Wallingford Teacher!

Wallingford teacher Chris Stone is being highlighted this month by NEA Member Benefits.

Students at Pond Hill Elementary School aren’t surprised that teacher Christopher Stone is being recognized this month as a superhero by NEA Member Benefits.

Second-grader Trey Foucault said, “I’ve thought of him as a superhero all along—before anyone in Washington found out. He teaches us a lot. He’s really, really fun to be around.”

Second-grader Lyanne Trieu added that “Mr. Stone is all about helping us improve in math and science. He makes us happy when we are learning.”

NEA Member Benefits is producing videos to show a “day in the life” of superhero NEA members across the nation. Stone’s video showcases how he balances his work and home life. It shows him at school dedicating every day to helping children learn, grow, and succeed. At home, video watchers can see Stone interacting with his family and friends to demonstrate how he’s able to juggle the work/life balance.

After school, Stone also runs Wallingford’s STEM Academy.

The fifth grade teacher is humbled by the NEA Member Benefits recognition, and his humility shows when he says, “No single teacher is really a superhero. We are all out there doing what is right for our students and families.”

Married, with three children, what’s the secret to Stone’s success at doing so much? “It takes lots of structure and routine,” he said. “I give 100 percent to my profession. I give 100 percent to my family.”

Of course, that means Stone is giving 200 percent every day!

CEA President Sheila Cohen said, “Chris is an inspiration. He adds that spark. Regardless of economic disadvantage, race, gender, or ability, he believes every student can succeed.”

Fellow fifth grade Pond Hill teacher Jennifer Parr said, “He has the ability to juggle commitments from a lot of places in our district and outside our district—at the state level. He draws from a lot of sources to help students.”

Fran Hart, who also teaches fifth grade at Pond Hill, said, “Chris is very innovative. He reaches out to many people to work together so that students and teachers can have new experiences.”

Watch the NEA Member Benefits video about Stone below, and read a profile here.