Teacher of the Year 2021

Danielle Helenski!

Shepherd Glen Elementary School teacher Danielle Helenski is Hamden's 2020-2021 Teacher of the Year!

Teacher of the Year, Danielle Helenski, featured with HPS staffCongratulations to Shepherd Glen's Danielle Helenski, Hamden's Teacher of the Year! Pictured here is Danielle and Shepherd Glen principal, Barbara Perrotti, HEA president Diane Marinaro and Director Of Media, Assessment and Intervention, Susan Smey! 

This year marks Danielle Helenski’s 21st year as an educator. Sixteen of which have been at Shepherd Glen School, first as a classroom teacher and most recently as a Library Media Specialist. 

Her passion for teaching and commitment to the Hamden community earned her the honor of 2021 Teacher of the Year. 

Her vision for her teaching is to provide skills and experiences that will broaden all students’ experiences and open their eyes to a world of possibilities and talents they may not have known existed. 

Danielle has brought many programs into the Shepherd Glen Library. Both virtual and in personal, for students, staff, and families, before, during, and after school, Danielle works hard to reach all members of the Shepherd Glen community. 

She is a fixture at arrival and dismissal, welcoming and chatting with families and students alike. She understands that school and families need to work in partnership in order to best sure our students.

Danielle also enjoys collaborating with the local universities, welcoming new teachers and media specialists into the building to share her love of teaching.

Congratulations to our 2021 Teacher of the year!