Region 15 Schools is proud to announce that Susan Sundholm has been named the 2026-27 Region 15 Teacher of the Year!

A deeply dedicated, knowledgeable, and compassionate educator whose career spans decades within our district, Mrs. Sundholm embodies the very best of teaching in Region 15. Widely recognized as a transformative and collaborative leader at Gainfield Elementary School (GES), she masterfully balances high academic expectations with an encouraging, nurturing nature that lifts up the entire school community.

Mrs. Sundholm has been a pillar of the Region 15 community for decades. She originally began her journey with the district as a second-grade teacher at Pomperaug Elementary School from 1976 to 1980. After taking time away to raise her three children and living out of state for several years, she returned to Region 15 in 1994, becoming an integral part of the GES family.

She spent 18 years as a beloved third- and first-grade classroom teacher, establishing a legacy of professionalism and a unique talent for reaching all learners. In 2012, she transitioned into her current role as a K–5 School Interventionist, utilizing her extensive classroom experience to expertly target and support district learners in reading, writing, and mathematics.

At GES, Mrs. Sundholm’s impact is felt school-wide. Affectionately known by peers as a "data wizard," she uses student data to precisely pinpoint and address individual learning needs.

Her leadership was a driving force behind the recent visualization and implementation of the highly successful "Win-Win" model at GES. By structuring the school’s WIN (What I Need) block, she collaborated with teachers and support staff to create a highly effective, targeted learning period. Under her guidance, this approach has resulted in measurable student progress.

"She is an exceptional cheerleader for her students. Her office is a sanctuary where mistakes are celebrated as milestone," shared a Region 15 Colleague.

Beyond her direct work with students, Mrs. Sundholm is a cornerstone of support for her colleagues. She guides school data meetings and serves as a trusted mentor to student teachers and peers alike. Because of her deep understanding of the classroom environment, the practical, manageable strategies she offers always support teachers rather than adding unnecessary stress to their workloads.

Her professional, empathetic communication also makes her an exceptional partner to district families, consistently building strong relationships and centering every decision on what is best for the students.

"Mrs. Sundholm is the kind of educator who transforms a school community through her passion, energy, and heart. Her unwavering commitment to students and colleagues, her data-driven intentionality, and collaborative spirit make her not only an outstanding teacher but a true leader and role model. We are incredibly proud to honor her as our Teacher of the Year and as a representative of the excellence in teaching that defines Region 15,” said Joshua Smith, Superintendent of Schools

 

L-R: Dr. Carrie Chiappetta (Region 15 Assistant Superintendent), Joshua Smith (Region 15 Superintendent), Susan Sundholm (Region 15 Teacher of the Year), and Jon Romeo (Principal, Gainfield Elementary School).

About the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program

The Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program began in 1952 and is held annually to recognize and honor teacher excellence. Sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Education in partnership with the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, the process begins locally with school districts selecting their own District Teacher of the Year. These educators are then eligible for consideration to become the Connecticut Teacher of the Year, and potentially, the National Teacher of the Year.

More information can be found on the Connecticut State Department of Education website.