James Wildman ’05 (ED), ’06 MA

2021 Neag School Outstanding School Educator

James Wildman.
(Images courtesy of James Wildman)

In addition to supervising and evaluating a staff of 19 fellow world languages educators at Glastonbury (Conn.) High School, James Wildman serves as head teacher for the school’s Foreign Languages Department. He teaches Spanish, advises for the Model UN and Foreign Language Honor Societies, and has coordinated student study abroad programs in Spain, Costa Rica, Russia, and China. He also has been instrumental in securing funding for the district through a federal grant program that supports the teaching and learning of languages. Presenting at state, regional, and national levels, Wildman has continued to share his expertise with practicing teachers amid the pandemic through presentations on creating virtual classrooms and using digital choice boards. An award-winning educator, a leader in state and regional foreign language associations and workgroups, as well as a member of the Board of Directors for the Northeast Association for the Teaching of Foreign Languages, he continues to advocate at all levels for language learning.

“As an educator, James is devoted to his craft and is constantly engaging in research and new professional development to improve curriculum and instruction for proficiency.”

— Lea Graner Kennedy, Past President,
Connecticut Council of Language Teachers

Acceptance Remarks from James Wildman

Well Wishes

 

“On behalf of Glastonbury Public Schools, I would like to congratulate James Wildman on this notable distinction. He has worked tirelessly on behalf of language education and cultural advancement, not only in Glastonbury, but on the state, regional and national level. We are very proud in the Glastonbury World Language Department to celebrate this wonderful honor with him.”

— Rita A. Oleksak, Director,
Foreign Languages/English Language Learning, Glastonbury Public Schools

 

“Congrats! You definitely deserve this award, you have worked hard to get where you are today.”

— Love, Mom

 

“¡Muchas felicidades Jimmy! Todos estamos orgullosos de ti.”

— Michele Back, Associate Professor,
Neag School of Education

 

“Jimmy, I’m so proud to call you a colleague! Congratulations!”

— TJ Neville,
Neag School Alumni Board

 

“We’re so excited for you!!! Congratulations.”

— With best wishes,
Heather and Mark McDonald

 

“Congrats, Jim. Hard work does pay off. And you certainly always give your all. Great job! So proud of you.”

— Marna Schirmer

 

“Congratulations on this well-deserved honor! This award is a testament to your hard work and dedication to the field of education over the last 15 years!”

— Marjorie Bruch