Pomperaug Elementary School Teacher Diane Hibbard Named Region 15’s 2008 Teacher of the Year

 Region 15 students, colleagues, parents, and administrators named Pomperaug Elementary School Learning Center teacher, Mrs. Diane Hibbard, the 2008 District Teacher of the Year.

 According to the Connecticut State Department of Education, the Connecticut Teacher of the Year 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.

 “Diane is an exceptional teacher who is highly skilled at working with children who have significant physical, learning and daily living challenges,” said Pomperaug Elementary School Principal, Mrs. Carissa Keepin. “She is tireless in her enthusiasm and efforts on behalf of each child, on discovering their capabilities, meeting their needs through a variety of therapies, instruction and technology, and supporting each family.  Diane's selfless humility and devotion to these children and their families is remarkable.”

 Married to Paul Hibbard for 21 years and mother to one daughter, age 6, Diane has always wanted to be a teacher.

 “An experience while in 11th grade is what has always been in my heart,” said Diane.  “As member of high school swim team, I signed up to volunteer as an assistant in swimming lessons for disabled children.  After the first class, I came home in tears and did not want to return. My parents said that I had made a commitment to these kids and that they were depending on me for those six weeks. I often wonder what I would be doing now if I had not had that experience. I realized that although these kids couldn't do things exactly like everyone else, they had personalities, hopes, dreams, senses of humor, and feelings just like everyone else.  My role wasn't to cure the world but to provide opportunities to teach to and learn from these individuals.”

 As a Special Education teacher, Mrs. Hibbard works closely with Student Services Director, Donna Popowski. “No matter how physically challenged a student may be, Diane truly sees the abilities each child has and focuses on them.  She is a wonderful collaborator and works with all members of the team to understand how best to work with each student,” said Mrs. Popowski. “At the same time, she has been very involved with coaching the high school swim team for many years. Overall, Diane is a very compassionate, dedicated, and talented instructor who deserves this honor!”

 With a physical education degree with concentration in adapted physical education, Diane worked with Special Olympics, working at camps in the summer and teaching adapted aquatics with students with special needs. She received her master’s degree at the University of Georgia and then received special education certification from Southern Connecticut State University.

 Diane came to Region 15 in 1987 as a tutor, paraprofessional, and coach; she started teaching as a special education teacher in 1992.

 The Teacher of the Year program begins in May with the selection of a teacher of the year in each local district, who then becomes eligible for state and national honors.  Among the criteria for nomination are the demonstration to inspire enthusiasm and motivation for learning in students, exhibition of a caring relationship with students, and the commitment to continuing professional growth and development.

 An awards ceremony is held in November for all honorees and to announce the 2008 Connecticut Teacher of the Year.

 The Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program began in 1952. It is sponsored by the Connecticut State Department of Education, Division of Teaching and Learning Programs and services, and ING. The program begins with the selection of a teacher of the year in each local district and continues to the national level, where the Connecticut Teacher of the Year becomes eligible for national honors. 

 “Mrs. Hibbard was selected as our 2008 Teacher of the Year, from an admirable selection of twenty-five nominees,” said John Mudry, committee chair. “Every nomination letter praised Diane for her caring, dedicated, and thoughtful nature as well as her devoted ability to search out the best for her students. She is a child-advocate in every sense of the word.”

 Diane Hibbard credits her parents, physical education teacher, and swim coach for teaching her the value of effort and individual improvement.

 “I feel every student has a desire to learn and every student has something they can teach us regardless of their abilities or disabilities,” said Diane. “I have the opportunity to work with children and staff from all grade levels. The value of teamwork and respect for each other is invaluable between student, staff and family. My prayer is that all who are in education, or any profession for that matter, have found their passion and can see what their peers and their students can do.”