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Award Notification:  Peter Arseneault (CT '15)

Connecticut Milken Educator Award Goes to STEM Teacher Peter Arseneault

Peter Arseneault helps his students at Bacon Academy in Colchester, Connecticut, apply science and technology to the world around them. Arseneault’s classes build solar heaters, design energy-generating panels out of reclaimed materials, and maintain and repair teachers' and community members' cars.

Connecticut State Education Commissioner Dr. Dianna R. Wentzell noted that Arseneault's influence on his students reaches far into the future. "Peter Arseneault is the kind of teacher who not only prepares his students for the challenges of college and career, but also inspires them to think bigger about what they can accomplish in the world," Wentzell said. "He connects students with real-life learning opportunities that give them the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in high-tech fields that will bolster Connecticut’s economy and make our planet a greener place to live."

Arseneault's commitment to improving the school's college and career readiness is yielding tangible results: Over the past two years, Arseneault has grown Bacon Academy's auto tech program, and students have improved their scores dramatically on the state's career and technical education (CTE) assessment.

"One teacher during his or her career has the power to positively influence thousands of young people's lives," Dr. Jane Foley, senior vice president of the Milken Educator Awards, told the students, faculty and visitors gathered for the surprise assembly where Foley presented Arseneault with Connecticut's 2015-16 Milken Educator Award.