A teacher in West Hartford’s Adult Education program has received the top honor from the Connecticut Association for Adult and Continuing Education.

CAACE recognizes West Hartford Adult Education teacher Dawn Hambrecht. Courtesy photo

By Caren Dickman

Paul Vicinus, Jr., superintendent of West Hartford Public Schools, has announced with excitement that Dawn Hambrecht, West Hartford Adult Education Teacher, was selected “Statewide Educator of the Year” by the Connecticut Association for Adult and Continuing Education (CAACE). The association recognizes three exceptional teachers each year for their leadership, innovation and impact in the field of adult education.

“This honor reflects Dawn’s lifetime commitment and dedication to education. Dawn has touched countless lives with her selfless service throughout her long tenure and her impact extends well beyond our adult education program. It is measured by the confidence and passion she inspires in her students and the community,” he said.

West Hartford Adult Education teacher Dawn Hambrecht was recognized as Educator of the Year by CAACE. Courtesy photo

CAACE honored Hambrecht at its 45th annual conference and awards luncheon on March 12, 2026 at the Mystic Marriott Hotel & Spa in Groton, CT. The association provides leadership to over 1,000 professionals statewide who serve over 30,000 adult learners of the English language, basic academic education, citizenship and high school completion.

Hambrecht has over 35 years of teaching experience in both adult and K-12 education, with over 10 of these years in the West Hartford Adult Education Program. Her specialty is teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). In addition to her regular ESL classes, she teaches the English for Family Literacy, a federally funded grant program offered in partnership with the Bridge Family Center.

West Hartford Adult Education teacher Dawn Hambrecht was recognized as Educator of the Year by CAACE. Courtesy photo

“I am deeply honored to receive this award. However, I am more honored by seeing my students succeed,” Hambrecht said. Their successes include moving up a level in English, getting a library card, having a conversation with a classmate, securing their first job, moving on to community college, or learning to read for the first time. They take on challenges to change the course of their lives and the lives of their families. These are lifelong rewards that inspire me to teach.”

A staunch advocate both in and out of the classroom, she has helped her students complete housing and job applications, prepare for job interviews, understand driver’s license rules and has even helped them advertise a new business. She has helped them move furniture to a new apartment and last year she rallied her friends to donate 20 bikes which she distributed to help with transportation. These are just a few examples of her dedication.

West Hartford Adult Education teacher Dawn Hambrecht, pictured with her family, was recognized as Educator of the Year by CAACE. Courtesy photo

“Dawn is truly a teacher extraordinaire,” said Shelley Solomon, director of the West Hartford Adult Education Program. “She is extremely dedicated and goes above and beyond to help her students. Of utmost importance to her is that her students and their families adjust successfully to their new home in the United States.”

West Hartford Adult Education teacher Dawn Hambrecht was recognized as Educator of the Year by CAACE. Courtesy photo

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