Teacher of the Year announced

Brandy Zima a 14-year veteran of district

TORRINGTON » Brandy Zima, a second-grade teacher at Torringford Elementary School, was recognized as the 2018 Teacher of the Year earlier this week.

She was inclined toward the profession from a young age as she grew up in Middlefield, she said Monday. She enjoyed school, used to work on getting up in front of people and talking and sought to instruct her brother, sister and animals.

“I really think it was just something that came naturally,” Zima said. “It was just something that I always liked to do.”

She began to work in the Torrington schools 14 years ago after a previous stint as a paraprofessional in Colebrook. Upon graduating from the University of St. Joseph’s in West Hartford, she said she was hired to teach kindergarten at Vogel-Wetmore, then shifted to teaching at Torringford 10 years ago.

The chance to work with students and learn as part of her profession — she particularly enjoys attending professional develop-

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ment at the teacher’s college at Columbia University — has kept her in the job over the years, she said.

“I love working with kids. They’re just like a spark,” said Zima. “They kind of inspire you to do more and do better each year.”

Zima said she hopes to teach students to enjoy and take risks in their learning, create a sense of community and support in her classroom, and help the young people believe in themselves.

“(E)ven if things seem difficult, I’m here to support them, and we can work through it,” said Zima.

It was a pleasure to be named teacher of the year, she said — a reminder of the hard work and passion she’s put in over the years.

“Oh my gosh, it was an incredible honor and so very humbling,” she said. “With as many teachers and administrators and people as there are in the district, to be named the person to represent (the) Torrington Public Schools this year, it’s just incredible. It’s an amazing experience.”

“It just sort of solidifies that I’m doing a good job, and I am in the right place,” said Zima. “This is where I was meant to be, is to be in front of the students in the classroom.”

The district also recognized nominated teachers of the year from each of the city schools — Claire Pepper at East School; Diane Hart at Forbes; Sarah Hollenbeck at Southwest; Kristen Wabrek at Vogel Wetmore; Gina Whaley at Torrington Middle School; and Cindy Amoroso at Torrington High School.

Tammy Randall, a paraprofessional at East, was named the 2018 Paraeducator of the Year as well.

“When I think of Tammy, several positive qualities come to mind. She is creative — often coming up with solutions on the spot, especially when traditional methods fail,” said Principal Susan Fergusson in remarks distributed by the district. “She is also knowledgable,

“I love working with kids. They’re just like a spark. They kind of inspire you to do more and do better each year.”

— Brandy Zima

intellectually curious and the consummate team player.”

Nominated paraprofessionals from each city school were also recognized — Diane Greene from Forbes; Sally Richt meyer from Southwest; Valerie Peacock from Torringford; Kathi Peterson from Vogel Wetmore; Danielle Valunas from Torrington Middle School; and Sara Morrison from Torrington High School.

Andrew Deacon was named the 2017 Teacher of the Year in September 2016. According to the district, previous teachers of the year include Angelo Calabrese, Dawn Pollutro, Veronica Geleromino and Robin Ledversis.