Brian Betesh is the 2026 CT Teacher of the Year
About Brian
Brian Betesh, the 2026 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, is in his 19th year as a sixth-grade Social Studies teacher at Rogers Park Middle School in Danbury, CT. A proud graduate of Danbury Public Schools, he has dedicated his career to giving back to the community that helped shape him.
Betesh believes middle school is about creating memorable experiences that inspire students to collaborate, innovate, and lead. Together with his students, he co-founded Park 21, a club dedicated to improving school culture and elevating the middle school experience for everyone involved. He designed and co-created SEVEN, a project-based learning class where students design and implement projects that make a real impact on their community.
Betesh and his students also created a podcast titled Rogers That!, which has recorded over 150 episodes. The podcast connects his students with leaders, professionals, and Rogers Park alumni to explore potential career paths and has helped to build meaningful partnerships with the local community. Betesh has also designed the ROARcording Studio, a dedicated podcasting space, and the Bella Patterson Innovation Lab, named in honor of a former student. As the school’s DonorsChoose Ambassador, Betesh has supported teachers in securing over $514,000 in resources for Rogers Park.