In the News

ACES Honors Carissa Lockett as 2014-2015 Teacher of the Year

June 23rd, 2014

From the start of her ACES career in 2008, she knew that “ACES would be a great place for me professionally.” She began her career at ACES teaching at two ACES magnet schools - Collaborative Alternative Magnet School (CAMS), which is now ACES Center for Autism Spectrum and Developmental Disorders, and ACES Thomas Edison Middle School, a science and technology magnet school in Meriden.

Ms. Lockett was very surprised and deeply moved by the news of her selection as ACES Teacher of the Year. “I’ve worked with and know some amazing teachers. It means a lot to me that someone saw something unique in me and took the time to nominate me for this very special honor,” expressed Ms. Lockett. As a special education teacher, Ms. Lockett utilizes her professional knowledge and experience with students with emotional and behavioral difficulties. She credits the support from family and friends as the emotional support needed to meet every challenge with a positive attitude. “Carissa Lockett is an outstanding example of ACES dedicated teaching staff. I’m very impressed by her involvement with her students and her enthusiastic, thoughtful approach to teaching,” shared Dr. Craig W. Edmondson, ACES Executive Director.

When not in the classroom, Ms. Lockett enjoys spending time with her husband and four children. “As a mother of four young children, I understand the power of patience, enthusiasm, and creativity as learning tools,” shared Ms. Lockett. Ms. Lockett grew up in Bethany and is a graduate of Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Women’s Studies from Clark University in Worcester, Mass. Ms. Lockett earned a Master’s degree in Special Education from Southern Connecticut State University and is currently pursuing her sixth year degree in Educational Leadership. As the selected Teacher of the Year from ACES, she is eligible to participate in a statewide application process for the Connecticut Teacher of the Year.

A reception celebrating ACES Teacher of the Year and Executive Director Award winners took place Wednesday, June 4, at ACES Whitney High School North, 205 Skiff Street, Hamden.

ACES Whitney High School North provides a positive, therapeutic, individualized, and multifaceted program for high school students with significant behavioral, mental health, and learning issues. It offers an expansive vocational program that includes training and work experience in the culinary, automotive, and graphic design fields. ACES is the Regional Educational Service Center for the 25 school districts in South Central, Conn. ACES programs, schools, and services include adult and vocational programs, magnet schools, and interdistrict programs, children and adolescent services, professional development and school improvement, and technology services. For additional information, visit Aces.org.

Photo: ACES Teacher of the Year, Carissa Lockett, with ACES Executive Director, Dr. Craig W. Edmondson

Hamden Journal