East Hartford Public Schools is pleased to announce the selection of Alexa Mach as the district’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Mach teaches first grade at O’Brien Elementary School. She will represent the school district as an example of what is best in the profession in the statewide Teacher of the Year competition. District leaders surprised Ms. Mach in her classroom with the news of her selection on May 15.
“Alexa Mach is an exemplar of the high-quality educators we have in East Hartford Public schools. We are proud to have her represent our school system as our Teacher of the Year,” said Superintendent Thomas Anderson. “I have visited several hundred classrooms this year and have had the opportunity to visit her classroom multiple times where I observed high student engagement, a positive atmosphere and her commitment to overall student learning. She is an outstanding educator.”
Ms. Mach has taught first grade at O’Brien for 10 years. She is known for her research-based strategies to teach to the individual needs of each student in her classroom. She’s able to support her students’ wide range of abilities ensuring that all learners have the opportunity to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
In her letter of recommendation, the parent of one of Ms. Mach’s students said, “Ms. Mach has made a profound difference in my child's educational journey. She creates a nurturing and stimulating classroom environment where every student feels valued, supported, and motivated to learn. Through innovative teaching methods, personalized attention, and a genuine commitment to student success, Ms. Mach has inspired my child to excel academically and develop a lifelong love of learning.”
In addition to her work in her own classroom, Mach is a leader in her school community and a mentor to both student teachers and new teachers to O’Brien. She actively participates in various initiatives and projects, such as serving as a grade level data team leader, a teacher representative on the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and the organizer of the annual O’Brien community cookout attended by hundreds of people. Ms. Mach has also served as a cooperating teacher for college student teachers, which provides her the opportunity to model her methods and practices.
“Alexa embodies professionalism in every aspect of her work, she consistently demonstrates dedication, integrity, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Her positive impact on students, colleagues, and the broader school community is truly commendable, and I have no doubt that she will continue to inspire and empower others in her future educational endeavors,” said O’Brien Principal Talisha Foy.
Ms. Mach holds a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of Connecticut. She earned her 6th year degree in Educational Leadership from Central Connecticut State University in 2022.
Ms. Mach was selected after a rigorous application and interview process, which begins with nominations from her colleagues. Nominees then submit an application, resume and recommendations, and are formally interviewed by the East Hartford Teacher of the Year committee comprised of former district teachers of the year, Central Office administrators and school principals. Finally, the committee visits the classrooms of its three finalists and selects the overall winner.