West Hartford Middle School Art Teacher Wins Statewide Educator Award

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A Sedgwick Middle School art teacher has received statewide recognition for her contributions to visual arts education.

Katie Aponte, a visual arts teacher at the West Hartford school, has been named the recipient of the 2027 Connecticut Middle Level Art Educator Award by the Connecticut Art Education Association.

The award recognizes an educator who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, contributions to the profession and a commitment to visual arts education in Connecticut.

West Hartford Public Schools Superintendent Paul Vicinus praised Aponte's work with students and her contributions to the district.

"We are thrilled to see Katie recognized by her colleagues statewide for her dedication to inspiring creativity and fostering artistic excellence in our middle school students," Vicinus said.

"This award reflects not only her skill as an educator but also her passion for enriching our school community through the arts, and it is well-deserved."

Pam Murphy, the district's visual arts department supervisor, also praised Aponte's teaching and leadership.

"Katie is an absolutely generous and tenacious teacher and a true leader in our department. She is a model in her student-centered instructional practice, and I could not be more proud of her," Murphy said.

The award presentation was scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 3, during the Connecticut Art Education Association's annual Professional Development Program at the Five Points Arts Center in Torrington.

Dan Rosenthal-Baxter, president of the Connecticut Art Education Association, congratulated Aponte on behalf of the organization.

"Your colleagues throughout the state join the CAEA Board of Directors in applauding your leadership, commitment, and service to the profession," Rosenthal-Baxter wrote.

The Connecticut Art Education Association supports visual arts education statewide through professional development opportunities, advocacy, and student recognition programs. The organization recognizes educators for their contributions to art education and their work supporting students' artistic development.