John D'Amato
A 1965 graduate of Tarkio College in Tarkio, Missouri, John D'Amato majored in history, political science, and education and then earned an M.A. in political science from the University of Kansas in 1966 with a concentration in constitutional law and political theory. After that, he taught American Government at Shawnee Mission North High School in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, where he remained until he was hired in 1970 to teach social studies ("and you name it!') at Branford High School. During his time in Branford, D'Amato also earned his sixth-year equivalency degree (1974) and an M.S. in Urban Studies (1986) from Southern Connecticut State University.
As John taught government during the 1970's and 1980's, his influence on students was well established. Branford graduates who were fortunate enough to have had John for a teacher emerged into the adult world with a keen sense of the "rule of law" and the local, state, and federal governmental agencies that are in place to assure that this concept applies to all citizens of the United States. The egalitarian principle of "life, liberty, and justice for all" was the cornerstone of this impressive educator's teaching about the responsibility that every American shares to be an active, involved citizen. As a measure of respect, his teaching colleagues often referred to him as "Mr. Chief Justice."
Under the guidance of Barbara Seavey, who was inducted into Branford's Education Hall of Fame in 2002, John began an association with the Branford High School Student Council that was marked with excellence and service. He became the driving spirit behind Student Council initiatives that were major forces for good at the high school and in the community.
However, the impact of his leadership as president of the Branford Education Association for thirteen years is the cornerstone of John D'Amato's induction into Branford's Education Hall of Fame. It was in this role that John emerged as a powerful advocate for children and their teachers. During the difficult times of the 1970's, budgets were tight, and the schools' needs were pushed by a growing student population. Double-digit inflation wreaked havoc on all elements of Branford's com munity, including teachers who had worked without a contract for several years and had seen the purchasing power of their income reduced by one third. Through John D'Amato's leadership, Branford teachers gained a new sense of solidarity and a resolve to keep children's issues in the forefront and to redress contract issues. The BEA's efforts under D'Amato became a model for other towns across Connecticut and New England. During a difficult time for children and teachers, John led a cadre of teachers and citizens to keep improving the quality of Branford's public education.
Many of the teachers who taught Branford's children during this challenging time considered leaving the Branford system or even the profession because they felt frustrated by low salaries and a lack of respect. The force and effects of John's leadership helped many of those teachers decide to continue their careers in Branford. One can only guess the full, negative impact this exodus of experience and expertise might have had on a generation of our children.
Since leaving Branford High School in 1987, John D'Amato has continued to serve Connecticut as an advocate for children and teachers at the Connecticut Education Association. With certification in Health Benefit Planning and Structure and in Trustees and Self-Insured Plans and with certification in progress in Certified Employees Benefits Plans, from 1987 to the present John has served as CEA Labor Representative for New London, Hartford, and New Haven counties. In addition John has writ ten extensively on health plan issues for the CEA and has been presenter on these issues at various workshops and conferences. He is a registered lobbyist on health issues for the CEA.
As John taught government during the 1970's and 1980's, his influence on students was well established. Branford graduates who were fortunate enough to have had John for a teacher emerged into the adult world with a keen sense of the "rule of law" and the local, state, and federal governmental agencies that are in place to assure that this concept applies to all citizens of the United States. The egalitarian principle of "life, liberty, and justice for all" was the cornerstone of this impressive educator's teaching about the responsibility that every American shares to be an active, involved citizen. As a measure of respect, his teaching colleagues often referred to him as "Mr. Chief Justice."
Under the guidance of Barbara Seavey, who was inducted into Branford's Education Hall of Fame in 2002, John began an association with the Branford High School Student Council that was marked with excellence and service. He became the driving spirit behind Student Council initiatives that were major forces for good at the high school and in the community.
However, the impact of his leadership as president of the Branford Education Association for thirteen years is the cornerstone of John D'Amato's induction into Branford's Education Hall of Fame. It was in this role that John emerged as a powerful advocate for children and their teachers. During the difficult times of the 1970's, budgets were tight, and the schools' needs were pushed by a growing student population. Double-digit inflation wreaked havoc on all elements of Branford's com munity, including teachers who had worked without a contract for several years and had seen the purchasing power of their income reduced by one third. Through John D'Amato's leadership, Branford teachers gained a new sense of solidarity and a resolve to keep children's issues in the forefront and to redress contract issues. The BEA's efforts under D'Amato became a model for other towns across Connecticut and New England. During a difficult time for children and teachers, John led a cadre of teachers and citizens to keep improving the quality of Branford's public education.
Many of the teachers who taught Branford's children during this challenging time considered leaving the Branford system or even the profession because they felt frustrated by low salaries and a lack of respect. The force and effects of John's leadership helped many of those teachers decide to continue their careers in Branford. One can only guess the full, negative impact this exodus of experience and expertise might have had on a generation of our children.
Since leaving Branford High School in 1987, John D'Amato has continued to serve Connecticut as an advocate for children and teachers at the Connecticut Education Association. With certification in Health Benefit Planning and Structure and in Trustees and Self-Insured Plans and with certification in progress in Certified Employees Benefits Plans, from 1987 to the present John has served as CEA Labor Representative for New London, Hartford, and New Haven counties. In addition John has writ ten extensively on health plan issues for the CEA and has been presenter on these issues at various workshops and conferences. He is a registered lobbyist on health issues for the CEA.