Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced today that Greenwich High School’s Ms. Bethany Fuscaldo is GPS’ selection for Connecticut State Department of Education’s 2026 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program.
“Bethany Fuscaldo has such an encouraging and uplifting approach with her students. She is a master conductor and teacher,” Dr. Jones said. “When I observed her in action, it was obvious that her students respect her immensely and that they love being part of her class. It was pure joy listening to her students perform and watching her teach.”
“I accept this recognition on behalf of all the incredible educators at Greenwich Public Schools,” Ms. Fuscaldo said. “This distinction reflects the spirit of our dedicated and passionate teachers and the support of this community that believes in the power of music to shape lives. It is an honor to represent Greenwich Public Schools at the state level.”
According to the Connecticut State Department of Education, the Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence. It does not attempt to select the “best” teacher; rather, to identify, from among many outstanding teachers of the year, one teacher to serve as a visible and vocal representative of what is best in the profession. The program celebrates excellence in teaching by recognizing teachers who have inspired a love for learning in their students and who have distinguished themselves in the profession.
“Bethany Fuscaldo is an exceptional music teacher who inspires enthusiasm for all students,” Greenwich High School Principal Ralph Mayo said. “Students choose to enroll in Ms. Fuscaldo’s program to continue their musical journey with someone who inspires them to enhance their skills both in and out of the classroom. She is both a great communicator and musician who cares deeply about her students and our school district.”
Ms. Fuscaldo has been with Greenwich Public Schools since 2007, as a strings teacher at four elementary schools, the director of orchestras at Central Middle School, and currently the director of orchestras at Greenwich High School. A cellist with the Greenwich Symphony Orchestra since 2018, Ms. Fuscaldo was appointed a GHS music department learning facilitator to serve as a peer leader for teaching staff and support the achievement of school and district goals to improve student learning. She also assists in planning and implementation of curriculum projects, and in planning, delivering, and assessing instructional programs.
Ms. Fucaldo received her bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Michigan. She is a member of both Connecticut Music Educator’s Association and American Strings Teacher’s Association.
For more information about the CT Teacher of the Year Program, including its history, purpose, benefits, eligibility requirements, selection process, and the duties of the Connecticut Teacher of the Year, visit the CSDE website.
