RSD17 Celebrates the Teacher of the Year

Haddam-Killingworth High School’s technology education teacher and leader, Ryan Kish, has been named the RSD17 Teacher of the Year. 

“Kish leads by example, gently urging us all to keep moving forward while looking back to ensure that no one is left behind,” said a colleague.

Mr. Kish is a 16-year veteran of RSD17 and a product of the school district. Under his leadership, the Project Lead the Way program, which provides hands-on STEM courses for grade K-12 students, is one of the strongest in the state. 

He is intensely student-centered. For example, he helped design a program that more directly connects students in need with the resources they require. He created a QR code poster that students can scan with their cell phone that sends a message to school resource staff who are immediately deployed to support the student. 

In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Kish is also a master carpenter and uses his skills to support co-curricular programs, like drama. 

“Ryan cares about his students and strives each day to reach, teach, retain, mentor and support them,” said chorus teacher Marcy Webster. “Ryan is the teacher these students will tell their children about, the one who taught them the tricks and tips they use each day to be successful.“