Steven McAuley, a Fifth-Grade Teacher at Wolfpit Integrated Arts School, Recognized for Norwalk Public Schools

The Norwalk Board of Education wishes to spotlight Steven McAuley, a fifth grade teacher at Wolfpit Integrated Arts School, who was awarded the 2021 CT District Teacher of the Year Award this spring.

​​Educators are nominated by their peers and endorsed by each School Governance Council, making them eligible to be considered for recognition as Norwalk’s Teacher of the Year.

“It’s definitely awesome and a great accomplishment, but awards aren’t the reason I got into teaching. So this is a bonus. It lets my children know their dad did something cool,” McAuley said. “It’s not needed, but it’s much appreciated.”

This school year marks the 21st year of teaching for McAuley at Wolfpit, who started his teaching career at the elementary school as an intern and student teacher. He graduated from Gettysburg College in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History and earned his Master of Education degree from Sacred Heart in 2002.

McAuley attributed his teaching success to his students, who he considers family. Even after they leave his classroom, many of his students come back to visit him at Wolfpit and he will often write them high school and college recommendation letters.

The CT Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence. 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.

“I’m trying to inspire kids and help them to build their confidence, to make their mark in the world,” said McAuley, who each year reads the book “The Dot” by Peter Reynolds, which encourages children to make their mark and see where it takes them.

“The rigors of academics are important, but I try to get them to think outside the box and let them know that the world is their oyster,” McAuley said.

At a time when teaching can be a tough profession, McAuley wants to let all teachers know that they are affecting their students everyday even though they may not see the results on a daily basis.

“Keep your head up and know you’re making a difference,” McAuley said.