Two from King Philip Middle School and a Charter Oak International Academy teacher were announced Tuesday as the finalists for 2025 West Hartford Teacher of the Year.

By Ronni Newton

Tuesday was Teacher Appreciation Day – which falls midway through Teacher Appreciation Week – and it’s also the traditional time the finalists for West Hartford Teacher of the Year are announced to the Board of Education.

The three finalists for West Hartford’s 2025 Teacher of the Year include (in alphabetical order) Danielle Drozd, a seventh grade math teacher and team leader at King Philip Middle School; Christina Fedolfi, a fifth grade teacher at Charter Oak International Academy; and Erica Graff, a school counselor at King Philip Middle School.

West Hartford Superintendent of Schools Paul Vicinus, at a celebratory reception for the finalists and their families held just prior to the announcement at the Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, congratulated the three finalists and said they are all outstanding. “First off, we’re so amazingly proud of all of you, of what you do. You should be proud of this nomination,” he said.

Vicinus thanked the Teacher of the Year Committee and told the Board of Education that this is one of his favorite days of the year, which comes during Teacher Appreciation Week – his favorite week of the year, “and I can think of no better day to honor our 2025 Teacher of the Year finalists.”

The vigorous, entirely teacher-led process begins with nominations from their colleagues, submission of a resume and an essay, recommendation letters, and having a lesson videotaped. A committee of teachers narrows the pool to three, who are then formally interviewed by the Teacher of the Year committee. The winner will be announced on May 21.

Danielle Drozd with Superintendent Paul Vicinus. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Drozd is in her 28th year in education and 12th year teaching in West Hartford where she not only teaches seventh-grade math but also leads the Opal Team.

A graduate of UConn who earned her certification from Quinnipiac and her master’s at the University of Saint Joseph, she previously taught at CREC Two Rivers Magnet Middle School but when her then-assistant principal, Joy Wright, got a job in West Hartford, she said, “That’s where I want to be.” Wright is now Drozd’s principal at KP.

In addition to being a team leader, Drozd serves on multiple committees at King Philip, and is advisor to several clubs. She lives in Newington where she has also been a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, and a volunteer with the Board of Education, Little League, and advisor to the Leo Club which is a division of the Lion’s Club for youth.

“Danielle’s colleagues remarked about her loyalty and friendliness, her fierce advocacy for students, her incredible support for colleagues no matter how big or small the ask,” Vicinus said, noting that there was also a mention of “squashing bugs for a teacher colleague.” She also loves bus duty because it’s a way to start or end her day with students, he said.

“I’m told that walking the halls with Ms. Drozd is like walking with a celebrity. Every student she teaches is excited to shout out a hello,” said Vicinus.

This is Drozd’s first time being nominated for Teacher of the Year in West Hartford, but said in her second year teaching she turned down a nomination. “There was another candidate from my school and she was my hero,” said Drozd, who threw her support behind the other teacher who was ultimately selected.

“I was told and taught years ago to make every decision based on students, and I live by that,” she said. “I really love what I do. Too much sometimes,” she added.

“I’m so honored to represent West Hartford in any way,” Drozd said.

Christine Fedolfi with Superintendent Paul Vicinus. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Fedolfi has 31 years of teaching experience, the past 10 in West Hartford. She came to the district in 2015 as a special education teacher at Wolcott Elementary School, and transferred to Charter Oak in 2017. She transitioned to general education in 2021 and has taught fourth and fifth grades.

Fedolfi has a BA from Wesleyan University and her master’s in education from Lesley University, and previously taught in Massachusetts and Maine, and was a consultant working on education reform before joining West Hartford Public Schools.

“She has developed and taught the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program Curriculum and her background in special education and trauma-informed instruction make her an invaluable resource and incredible teacher,” Vicinus said, adding that she demonstrates her impact far beyond the classroom through participating in various leadership and professional development committees.

“Christina’s colleagues remarked about her incredible sense of humor, her genuine connections with others, and her steadfast commitment to colleagues and friends,” Vicinus said. She has a powerful impact on students through her “Genius Hour” projects and is a fierce advocate for students while being authentic and honest and is known as a “connector.”

Fedolfi said she has been nominated before, but this is the first time she has accepted the opportunity. She said she’s usually nominating others, but finally has the time and space complete the process.

“I will do anything to motivate students,” Fedolfi said, adding that as a reward, she allows students to do her hair and makeup for the day, which has led to some unusual appearances. “It’s lots of fun to be able to do things like that to motivate them. … They know me as the silly teacher,” she said. “School should be fun and memorable for students.”

Erica Graff with Superintendent Paul Vicinus. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Graff began her career as a high school English teacher in Lebanon, CT, and has been in secondary education for 16 years. She followed her passion for school counseling, Vicinus said, earning her master’s in counselor education at Central Connecticut State University after previously earning her bachelor’s and teaching certification from Eastern Connecticut State University.

Graff worked with a nonprofit college access program before coming to King Philip.

Vicinus said Graff “is a positive influence at King Philip wielding positive influence through her engagements in efforts such as team leader, crisis team member, and leader in residence from the School-Based Diversion Initiative.” She is an advisor to several clubs including GSA, the KP Kindness Club, and Ambassador Student Leadership Program.

Graff said this is her first time being nominated for Teacher of the Year and she is very excited. She said counselors often work behind the scenes, “and it’s so nice to shed light on our department.”

Vicinus said that Graff’s colleagues said she “shines as a student advocate and amazing teammate. she serves as co-chair on the Cheer Committee and is always finding creative and uplifting ways to support staff morale, camaraderie, and fun in the building.” She also is a leader in restorative practices and known for being able to resolve difficult issues “with caring and concern.”

Graff said she is committed to creating “safe places for students, so they can feel heard,” and Vicinus said students flock to her office during lunchtime for “her warmth and a feeling of safety and belonging.”

She currently works with eighth graders, particularly on their transition to high school and helping them develop their learning styles. “Her principal commented that she is an outside-the-box thinker who is constantly innovating in support of creative means to help children access their education,” Vicinus said.

All three finalists received certificates from Vicinus on Tuesday night. The name of the person ultimately chosen as Teacher of the Year award is kept embargoed until the recipient is formally recognized later this month.

Nora McHugh, a science teacher at Conard High School, was named the 2024 Teacher of the Year.

Danielle Drozd. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Christine Fedolfi. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Erica Graff. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

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