Top Teacher Gets White House Visit
Greenwich teacher named 2009 National Teacher of the Year
By YVONNE NAVA
Updated 6:07 PM EST, Tue, Apr 28, 2009
The nation’s top teach is from right here in Connecticut.
Anthony Mullen, a Greenwich teacher, is getting a salute from President Barack Obama Tuesday at the White House.
Mullen teaches ninth through twelfth grade special education at The ARCH School, an alternative education branch of Greenwich High School. He was chosen as the 2009 “National Teacher of the Year.”
"A teacher can receive no greater reward than the knowledge that he or she helped recover a lost student,” said Mullen, who comes from a lifetime of service in the public sector.
Mullen was a New York City police officer before becoming a teacher. He's being recognized for his innovative approach to mentoring, community focus and teamwork with colleagues.
“Anthony Mullen truly knows what the phrase ‘No Child Left Behind’ means when it comes to helping his students. He serves as an inspiration and role model for all of us. Teachers who work with our most challenged youngsters are dedicated professionals who can make all the difference in helping them to find success in the world. They work miracles every day to turn around students’ lives,” state Education Commissioner Mark K. McQuillan said in a statement.
Gov. M. Jodi Rell congratulated Mullen Monday afternoon.
"This is wonderful news for the teachers of our state. Tony Mullen is an outstanding educator who exemplifies the best traditions in teaching. His work in the classroom is focused on helping all students achieve. It is challenging work to meet the needs of children every day, and I cannot emphasize enough the impact that our teachers' efforts - and their success - have on our state's future,” Rell said. “My best wishes go to Tony as the 2009 National Teacher of the Year and to all educators who, each day, make a difference in the lives of children."
Mullen will begin a year as a full-time national and international spokesperson for education on June 1.
First Published: Apr 28, 2009 7:02 AM EST
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