Duffy Teacher to Receive National Award

fifth grade teacher Clare Taylor will travel to Washington, D.C. next February to be recognized as one of only 38 recipients nationwide of the "2013 California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence"

Taylor will be honored at the NEA Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in
Education Gala to be held in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 8, 2013.

"West Hartford has an amazing school system and I am proud to receive this award and represent Duffy School, West Hartford, and the State of Connecticut in Washington, D.C. I would like to thank my principal, Kathleen Tracy, for her leadership and encouragement. I have always felt supported in my creative approach to teaching. When real-world tasks are integrated students learn cross-curricular skills and can collaborate toward authentic solutions," Taylor said in a news release.

Taylor has become well known in West Hartford for her leadership of innovative projects, including , the , and for coaching Duffy's team at the in February.

Taylor was a finalist for in 2012.

According to the NEA, the California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence is one of the most prestigious honors awarded to public school educators. The gala at which it is presented is known as "The Academy Awards of Public Education," according to a release from the NEA, and is attended by more than 850 individuals from education, philanthropy, and the private sector.

“We give these awards annually to honor and promote excellence in education and to elevate the profession. Educators like these are critical to their students’ academic success, and they deserve national recognition.” said Harriet Sanford, President and CEO of the NEA Foundation, in the release. "We are thrilled that California Casualty has joined us again this year to pay tribute to educators who are making such a difference in the lives of students in classrooms across the country.”

“Educating our youth is so critically important. California Casualty is proud to partner with the NEA Foundation to pause and celebrate excellence in teaching,” said Beau Brown, President and CEO of California Casualty in the news release.

Taylor was nominated by the Connecticut Education Association, which is the National Education Association’s state affiliate. According to the NEA, Duffy will receive a $650 award.

In addition, five finalists for the nation's top educator will be announced at the gala, and will receive $10,000 cash awards. The top winner will receive $25,000.

The NEA Foundation and the National Education Association jointly present the awards with support from California Casualty, the Horace Mann Companies, NEA Member Benefits, and the Pearson Foundation.


The NEA Foundation

The NEA Foundation is an independent, public charity supported by
contributions from educators, corporate sponsors, and others. We
partner with education unions, districts, and communities to create
powerful, sustainable improvements in teaching and learning. Visit
www.neafoundation.org for more information.