Honor recognizes dedication, leadership and advocacy for students, teachers, and communities
Newington teacher Jennifer Rodriguez was presented with the Connecticut Education Association’s highest teaching award, the John McCormack Award for Teaching Excellence. The first-grade teacher at Anna Reynolds Elementary School received the award before 400 of her colleagues at the 177th annual CEA Representative Assembly, held at the Mohegan Sun Convention Center this past weekend.
“Jennifer is a compassionate, innovative, and kind teacher and leader,” said CEA President Kate Dias. “She is a strong advocate for her colleagues and chairs the Connecticut Educator Preparation and Certification Board, creating meaningful, positive change in the classroom and influencing educational policy changes at the state level that improve working conditions and resources for teachers and educational outcomes for students across the state.”
Rodriguez, who was the 2023 Newington Teacher of the year, and a state Teacher of the Year finalist, has over 15 years of teaching experience, and has been recognized for instructional expertise, leadership, and dedication to student success. She is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in education and has extensive experience with curriculum development, professional development facilitation, and community engagement.
“I am passionate about creating supportive and inclusive classroom environments that celebrate and respect the diverse backgrounds and experiences of all my students. I incorporate a wide range of pedagogical techniques, including hands-on activities, cooperative learning, and differentiated instruction, to ensure that every student has access to high-quality education that meets their individual needs,” said Rodriguez.
She has taken numerous union leadership positions both at the state and local levels and is a fierce advocate for her fellow teachers. She amplifies the voices of her colleagues by testifying before legislators and speaking about issues that impact students and public education in Connecticut.
“I believe in the power of teachers to drive change both for our students and within our profession. I am deeply committed to ensuring that educators have the support, resources, and working conditions necessary to provide the best education for our students,” she said.
Rodriguez is also a parent in Newington, and she understands the diverse needs of her students and their community. She has worked hard to build strong relationships with her students and their families. Parents have praised her for her teaching style, for going the extra mile for her students, and for working together with them as a team. One parent, whose child experiences anxiety, highlighted the unique care Rodriguez provided by “expertly balancing high expectations with nurturing support.” The parent says her child continues to benefit from the foundation Rodriguez established with her in the early grades.
“Education extends beyond the classroom, and I have consistently engaged with parents and community members to address substantive issues in teaching and learning,” said Rodriguez.
“Jennifer actively contributes to the local professional network and engages with both colleagues and administration to share insights, offer mentorships, and promote best practices,” said Holley Duffy, instructional coach at Anna Reynolds and Ruth Chaffee Schools.
The John McCormack Award for Teaching Excellence, which is highly competitive, evaluates teachers on five criteria: professional practice, community engagement, leadership in professional development, attention to diversity, and advocacy for the profession.
“Jennifer’s deep commitment to her students, school, community, and fellow educators shines through in everything she does. Her passion, dedication, and unwavering support make a lasting impact on everyone around her,” said Dias.
Rodriguez received a $2,000 cash honorarium from CEA and will attend the Salute to Education Gala in Washington, D.C., next spring. She is also CEA’s nominee for the NEA Foundation’s NEA Member Benefits Award for Teaching Excellence.
