Windham Teacher Named Connecticut Technical High Schools’ Teacher of the Year

Dr. Rachel Riendeau, a General Education Department Head and Social Studies teacher at Windham Technical High School, located in Willimantic, CT, has been named the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) Teacher of the Year Interim Superintendent Dr. Justin Lowe announced today.

“Rachel’s unwavering dedication and profound grasp of the connection between academics and Career and Technical Education truly sets her apart,” said Dr. Justin Lowe. “Rachel exemplifies excellence in teaching and serves as an inspiration for her CTECS colleagues and students alike. I am honored to recognize her as the 2024 CTECS Teacher of the Year.”

Riendeau has worked for CTECS since August 2007 as a social studies instructor, teaching a variety of courses from Economics and Sociology to Law and World History. She was instrumental in the development and implementation Senior Portfolio curricula. In 2018, she joined the staff at Windham Technical High School where she was named General Education Department head.

“I was drawn to CTECS because of all it offers our students,” said Riendeau. “I have seen first-hand through my husband, a Cheney Technical High School graduate, the well-rounded career preparation [CTECS] can provide.”

Riendeau regularly seeks out new opportunities for students including field experiences at museums throughout the state and involvement in local, state, and national scholarship opportunities, including annual participation in National History Day.

“I like to think that I am reflective of my practice, always changing to meet the needs of my students and aid in whole-school improvement,” she said.

Riendeau is also the founder and creator of CTECS’ first student-centered virtual reality lab; the structure of which will be a pilot for the state’s technical high schools.

“This lab can now be used for students to assemble a virtual engine in automotive, take apart a virtual solar panel system in electrical, float around the space station in science, visit battle sites in a history class, or view a live performance of a play for English,” Riendeau said. “English and English Language Development students can use the VR tool to practice language and public speaking skills, while world language students can be immersed in another language for practice.”

“Dr. Rachel Riendeau’s unique teaching style relies on knowing her students’ interests and creating engaging learning opportunities that are all-inclusive and fun,” said Windham Technical High School Principal Eric Hilversum. “Her use of virtual technology motivates students to explore history from an experiential education perspective. Most importantly, her passion and commitment to excellence in teaching inspire her students and colleagues. We are fortunate to have such an educational leader at Windham Tech.”

Riendeau’s message to teachers is one of collaboration and opportunity.

“Through collaboration between trade, academics, and support services we can always improve our collective practice and provide students across the state with opportunities for career and post-graduation schooling,” she said. “In our rapidly changing world and workforce, we have an amazing opportunity to be at the forefront of career preparation.”

“Dr. Rachel Riendeau is a teacher leader in the truest sense,” said SVFT Vice President Makenzi Hurtado. “She works tirelessly to improve her craft, engage her students, and support other teachers in her building and across the district. We are so proud to have her representing our teachers as CTECS/SVFT Teacher of the Year for 2024.

Riendeau will compete in the 2024 State of Connecticut Teacher of the Year competition this summer.