Mansfield Public Schools and members of the Teacher of the Year Committee selected Julie Hodgson as Mansfield’s 2025–2026 Teacher of the Year. A passionate educator, a reflective practitioner, and a continuous learner, Julie embodies a deep commitment to students and a drive for self-growth.
The State Teacher of the Year Committee has selected her as a state semifinalist. Twelve to fifteen semifinalists are selected from all the school district nominees statewide, and make an in-person presentation before an interview panel in mid-September. Four finalists will be chosen from the group, then State Teacher of the Year will be named.
Julie began her career at Mansfield Middle School more than three decades ago, and now teaches Grade 8 Social Studies. Over the years, she has blended inspiration from colleagues with tireless investigation into effective teaching practices, constantly evolving her craft. She recognizes that, "it is only by standing on the shoulders of giants and collaborating with colleagues that [she] made a lasting impact on students and families."
Julie’s contributions extend far beyond her classroom. She is a 2005 Milken Educator Award recipient, and a former Teacher in Residence at the Connecticut Department of Education, where she helped shape the Beginning Educator Support and Training (BEST) Program. The Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut also named her as an Outstanding School Educator in 2007. As a Fund for Teachers Grant Recipient in 2023 she studied literature while visiting Italy. She recently completed a three-year fellowship in the Human Rights Close to Home Program at the University of Connecticut’s Dodd Center.
As an active member of the Mansfield Schools community, she has served and led numerous committees, developed curriculum, and regularly engages families. Julie brings her positive and collaborative spirit to every interaction. “Guided by a dynamic spirit and a profound love of learning, Julie Hodgson has dedicated more than three decades to inspiring students to think deeply, dream boldly, and embrace their potential. She stands as a shining example for both her students and her colleagues,” says Candace Morell, Superintendent of Mansfield Public Schools.
Ms Hodgson addressed her peers with an address at the district’s Convocation ceremony on Monday, August 25. Convocation’s theme was to Innovate, Educate, Elevate, and Julie spoke to that vision. She also summed up how to work together to make progress on any goal: Just Show Up. “I look forward to showing up with all of you today, and then tomorrow, and definitely on Thursday morning. It’s the only way that we can elevate and innovate.
“And every time we do show up, we model for our students what we want them to do:
To look up from their phones and fears and unnecessary distractions, and to show up to their own lives — and to the joy of learning and living,” she shared
“Julie has high expectations for herself and for her students,” says Dr. Shamim Patwa, Director of Student Support Services for the district, the department that oversees the Teacher of the Year selection process. “As she shared in her address to Mansfield educators, she challenges each of us to ‘just show up’ in mind, body, and spirit every day. It is the sum of this daily commitment to ‘just show up’ that helps each one of us make a difference. Her reflective nature is captured in her ability to celebrate successes and to consider the moments where she could have done something differently
“As Julie puts it, ‘I'm on a constant quest not just to be a better teacher, but to be a better person in general, so that I can connect with my students in meaningful ways.’”, says Dr. Patwa.
The Mansfield Middle School Principal Larry Barlow also expresses his respect for her work. "Julie is an exceptional educator who places her students at the center of everything she does," he says. "She is a master at building genuine relationships, setting and modeling the high standards she expects from her students. We see the results daily, as students in her class grow not only academically, but also as confident, well-rounded individuals.
He adds, "Julie's dedication is unparalleled. Her commitment to her students is so deep that she constantly finds new ways to ensure every student has the support they need to succeed. Our entire school is incredibly proud of the example she sets for all educators and students. If the committee gets even a small glimpse of the remarkable work we witness every day, we are certain she will be our state's Teacher of the Year."