Christopher Poulos, a Spanish teacher from Redding, Connecticut, is inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame (NTHF) as part of the 2022 class. Photo Credit: NTHF

It is always my pleasure to share stories about exceptional educators who earn recognition for their work in the classroom. One of these is Christopher Poulos, a Spanish language teacher from Connecticut who has been selected one of five inductees into the National Teachers Hall of Fame (NTHF) for 2022.

Following his graduation from Southington High School in Southington, Connecticut, in 1993, Christopher enrolled in the University of Richmond. There he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Leadership Studies in 1997. He then completed a two-year stint in the Peace Corps, serving in Taiga, Olancho, Honduras. Later, Christopher earned his Master’s degree in Spanish Education from Teachers College at Columbia University. He also completed sixth-year graduate courses at the University of Connecticut.

In addition to his induction into the NTHF, Christopher has earned many accolades. He earned the Excellence in Education Award from the Connecticut State Department of Education (CDOE)  in 2015. He was named a Teacher-Leader in Residence by the CDOE from 2013-2015, and he was named the Hope Street Group National Teacher Fellow from 2013 to 2014. He served as a Fellow of the Aspen Institute from 2012 to 2013, and in 2007 he was named the Connecticut State Teacher of the Year.

Christopher’s career as an educator spans 21 years. Currently, he serves as a Spanish teacher and Instructional Leader for the Humanities at Joel Barlow High School in Redding, Connecticut.

The honored educator offers this advice to beginning teachers:  “Be kind, have fair expectations, and let students know you care,” he says. “With this mantra in place, your students will come to school engaged and ready to learn, allowing you to share your wisdom and to enable future generations to grow into productive citizens, as they live the lives they dream.”