Michelle Kelley Named Avon's Teacher of the Year

A fifth-grade teacher at Thompson Brook School has been named Avon’s 2013-2014 teacher of the year.  

According to a press release from Avon Assistant Superintendent of Schools Donna Nestler-Rusack, Michelle Kelley has been chosen to receive the honor this year. As teacher of the year, Kelley will also represent the district in the statewide competition.  

Kelley, who has taught at Thompson Brook for eight years, was chosen in part for her creative and engaging approach to teaching.  

“When one views Mrs. Kelley’s classes, they will see lessons that are planned to wholly engage students,” the press release says. “Observers might witness students involved in activities such as Greek Myths with a Twist, where students write, produce, and perform their version of a classic Greek myth… One might see students acting as prosecutors or defense attorneys and witnesses during The Trial of Brom Bones to establish who really threw the pumpkin at poor Ichabod after reading The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.”  

One of Michelle’s colleagues shares, “Creativity is what sets Michelle apart from most teachers.  She is always willing to design new systems of learning to help her students succeed.”  

Kelley said that teachers need to change to meet the demands of a fast-changing global economy.  

“We are no longer competing with districts around the state, but rather around the world... My message to teachers is to not simply dig in and protect the status quo, but to be proactive and influence the future.”  

Kelley received a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Connecticut, a J.D. from the University of Connecticut Law School, and a M.Ed. from St. Joseph College.  She is also actively involved in the community and was recognized as the Farmington Valley YMCA Volunteer of the Year in 2001.