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Danbury Today
By the People, for the People
Danbury Teacher Named Connecticut's 2026 Teacher of the Year
Brian Betesh, a sixth-grade social studies teacher at Rogers Park Middle School, was honored by the Danbury Board of Education.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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Brian Betesh, a sixth-grade social studies teacher at Rogers Park Middle School in Danbury, Connecticut, was named the 2026 Connecticut Teacher of the Year. The Danbury Board of Education officially recognized Betesh's achievement at their meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, where they praised his passion, commitment, and impact that extends beyond the classroom.
Why it matters
The Connecticut Teacher of the Year award is a prestigious honor that recognizes exceptional educators who demonstrate excellence in their profession and have a positive impact on their students and community. Betesh's recognition highlights the high-quality teaching talent within the Danbury Public Schools system and the district's commitment to supporting and celebrating its educators.
The details
Betesh, a Danbury native, was surprised with the 2026 Connecticut Teacher of the Year award during a school assembly in October 2025 by Governor Ned Lamont and State Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker. On February 10, 2026, the Danbury Board of Education officially honored Betesh at their meeting, where they praised his passion, commitment, and impact that extends beyond the classroom. The board stated that Betesh "truly represents the heart of Danbury Public Schools" and that seeing him celebrated was a "powerful reminder of the incredible educators serving our students every day."
- On October 17, 2025, Betesh was announced as the 2026 Connecticut Teacher of the Year during a surprise school assembly.
- On February 10, 2026, the Danbury Board of Education officially recognized Betesh's achievement at their meeting.
The players
Brian Betesh
A sixth-grade social studies teacher at Rogers Park Middle School in Danbury, Connecticut, and the 2026 Connecticut Teacher of the Year.
Ned Lamont
The Governor of Connecticut.
Charlene M. Russell-Tucker
The Connecticut Commissioner of Education.
Danbury Board of Education
The governing body of the Danbury Public Schools system.
Danbury Public Schools
The school district serving the city of Danbury, Connecticut.
What they’re saying
“Seeing him celebrated this evening was a powerful reminder of the incredible educators serving our students every day.”
— Danbury Public Schools (Facebook)
“Congratulations, Brian, and thank you for all you do for our students, schools, and community.”
— Danbury Board of Education (Facebook)
The takeaway
Betesh's recognition as the 2026 Connecticut Teacher of the Year highlights the high caliber of educators within the Danbury Public Schools system and the district's commitment to supporting and celebrating its teachers, who play a vital role in shaping the lives of their students and contributing to the broader community.
