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PUTNAM — Richard Rumsey was named Putnam’s 2012 Teacher of the Year.
He has a bachelor’s degree in environmental earth science from Eastern Connecticut State University as well as an additional fifth year degree from Pennsylvania State University.
He is a 20-year veteran of the Putnam School System. Since 1995 he has worked at Putnam High School in the PALS Program (Putnam Alternative Learning System), the high school’s drop out prevention program. He is a member of the Connecticut Association of Alternative School and Programs (CAASP) and has been the vice president of the organization since 2006. He is also a member of the Putnam Education Association also serving as the group’s vice president since 2008.
Superintendent William Hull said, “It takes a special talented individual to serve at-risk students and Rick is such an educator. I have had the privilege to personally observe his instruction as well as the personal interactions he has with his students. He has gained the respect and admiration of his students by engaging them at their level and interest. He has the ability to make lessons relevant to their lives using interesting projects, and a variety of pedagogy. Rick has the unique ability to calmly steer and guide his students towards a better future without being demanding or condescending. Through his patience, calm demeanor and expertise as an educator he is able to help his students overcome the many obstacles that sometimes get in the way of them obtaining an education. We are proud to have Rick represent our entire staff.”