DANBURY – Brian Betesh, a sixth-grade history teacher at Rogers Park Middle School, loves to teach and continues to find ways to actively engage students.
And for that work ethic, the 19-year educator was recently named 2026 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, one of Connecticut’s highest education honors, that highlighted his student-centric teaching philosophy.
“I enjoy what I do every day,” said Betesh, a 1997 graduate of the school. “As a product of the Danbury school system, I’m proud to bring this honor and recognition to Rogers Park Middle School and to Danbury.
“As a former student of the school, I feel a responsibility to give back to the community that helped raise me into the person I am today. I’m approachable, honest, humble, and positive, and I believe that helps me foster great relationships with students, parents, and faculty.”
This is the second distinguished honor for Betesh as he was named Danbury Teacher of the Year in May.
For Betesh, education is a collective effort.
“My educational philosophy is that students need opportunities and experiences that will help enhance their skills while challenging them to become collaborators, designers, and leaders. I believe students need more opportunities to lead and I have helped design opportunities that put students in the driver’s seat,” said Betesh.
According to Erin Daly, president of National Education Association-Danbury, Betesh represents the qualities of an exceptional teacher.
“He’s passionate, adaptable, and never stops learning himself,” Daly said. “He’s the kind of teacher who reminds people that this profession is built on heart and hard work. His recognition is really a recognition of all the teachers out there.”
Teachers and students remark on how strong his connections are with kids, Daly said. He has this real knack for motivating them by tapping into what interests them.
Daly is proud of Betesh’ accomplishments.
“Having a Danbury teacher named Connecticut’s Teacher of the Year shines a positive light on our schools and our community,” she said. “Brian’s work showcases all that is great about Danbury’s educators – their talent, creativity, and commitment to students, even when resources are limited.”
A Danbury native, Betesh attended Mill Ridge Elementary and Intermediate, Rogers Park, and Danbury High School. He graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University with a degree in history and social sciences, received a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Bridgeport, and a second master’s degree from Western Connecticut State University.
“Social Studies always appealed to me because it’s the story of people and how their actions impacted our world. It naturally provides opportunities for students to collaborate on projects, take positions on topics, and analyze culture,” said Betesh who worked with colleagues to transform their curriculum into a skill-based learning experience.
Focused on creating a positive, immersive learning environment, Betesh engages students through various school initiatives. He spearheaded Rogers That! Podcast that connects students with prominent members of the community, including CEO’s, professional athletes, CBS sports analysts, authors, and more.
“We’ve recorded over 110 episodes to date,” said Betesh, noting they’ve recorded multiple episodes in Spanish and Portuguese.
Also, he co-created Park 21 with three sixth-graders to elevate the experience of the school community. Projects include SEL carts for the classroom, traveling art galleries, and more. Also, he helped build SEVEN – a course focused on project-based learning – and re-purposed an office space into an Innovation Lab centered around student collaboration, creativity, and leadership.
Going forward, Betesh will represent Connecticut in the 2026 National Teacher of the Year program, and continue encouraging student-led initiatives, including re-designing the school’s blacktop space with artwork and establishing district initiatives in memory of a former student, Bella Patterson, one of the co-creators of Park 21.
“She was my catalyst to create change and to make our community better. A few weeks after being recognized as Danbury’s Teacher of the Year, Bella passed away from a rare brain cancer. It’s incredibly difficult to comprehend how I could be recognized for the work we’re doing in the community and only a few weeks later, lose the person that inspired that change,” said Betesh who recently started a Be Your Bella Self Purple Heart Initiative throughout the district.
A sign in Betesh’ classroom – Work Hard and Be Kind to People – reflect the values he brings to the classroom to inspire students.
“I use my lunch breaks and prep periods as opportunities to work on projects around the building. I bring creativity, problem solving, and ambition to the job,” he said. “My role as a teacher has expanded far beyond my classroom walls. I look at challenges in our school community and seek ways to fix/improve them; even if it doesn’t impact my students or me.”
