Platt Tech Teacher Named CTECS 2022 Teacher of the Year

Jeff Tyrol, a carpentry instructor at Platt Technical High School, located in Milford, CT, has been named the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) Teacher of the Year, Superintendent of Schools Mr. Jeffery Wihbey announced today.

“Jeff’s dedication to teaching, care for his students, and can-do attitude is admirable,” said Superintendent Wihbey. “In what has been the most difficult year of teaching in recent history due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jeff went above and beyond in demonstrating creativity in engaging his students, and working at the district level to develop support systems for all CTECS students.”

Tyrol is a 3rd generation carpenter who began his career in the family business, Tyrol and Wethey Co., which was founded by his grandfather in 1955 and has built hundreds of new homes, additions, and renovations in the Glastonbury, CT area.

“I had the pleasure of working with two CTECS students right after they graduated and was so impressed with how prepared they were to work in the real world straight out of high school,” Said Tyrol. “They brought both a knowledge of the trade and a set of soft skills and teachability you can’t find anywhere else.

When Tyrol’s father and uncle retired from the business in 2018, he decided to try a new career path: teaching.

“I couldn’t be happier or prouder of my job as an instructor at Platt Tech and the impact I am able to make with my students as they figure out their careers and lives,” he said.

“Jeff is a terrific choice for CTECS’ Teacher of the Year,” said David Telesca, Platt Technical High School Principal. “He is unfailingly positive, sharing his enthusiasm for his students and his content area every day. He has a tremendous work ethic, and most of all, he demonstrates a great degree of empathy for his students, particularly during this very difficult year.”

“Being a trade teacher myself, Jeff’s attention to student needs and his positive and caring nature make him a great teacher,” said Paul Angelucci, State Vocational Federation of Teachers President.

As a carpentry instructor, Tyrol provides students with advanced instruction and training in the fabrication and construction of residential housing and related remodeling. Tyrol also oversees the Platt Tech Carpentry Student Workforce, an essential part of the carpentry trade program experience. The Student Workforce enters into construction agreements with customers to build, renovate, remodel or extend dwellings, garages and decks. It is through this type of experience that students receive practical real-world skills.

“Our students have a tremendous amount of pride talking about the fact that they built a house somebody is going to live in, raise a family in, and make memories in,” Said Tyrol. Our students don’t just learn about a career they learn a lot about life, and they take a lot of pride being able to work on something bigger than themselves.”

“As Teacher of the Year, my message [to teachers] is to focus on student engagement. Student engagement is the most important part of teaching today, especially in these times. Developing personal, yet professional relationships with your students is the key to both their and your success.”

“I feel honored, humbled and excited to represent all the great people in my district as I compete for teacher of the year for the state. CTECS gives students a sense of purpose and helps them visualize being successful in life. A student can come into our system from any social or economic background and leave with a career making enough money to provide for themselves and their family.”

Tyrol will compete in the 2022 State of Connecticut Teacher of the Year competition this summer. Learn more: https://portal.ct.gov/SDE/TOY/Connecticut-Teacher-of-the-Year-Program