Keith Spaar
With every technological advancement, Keith Spaar has had to keep pace and learn on-the-job to keep Branford on the forefront of Technology Education. During Keith’s twenty-eight years of service, we have seen devices come and go; cassette tapes, VCRs, desktop computers and film projectors have now been replaced by laptops, Chromebooks, IPads, LCD projectors and personal mobile phones. Yet with each change, Keith has been there to guide us all. In the year 1801, the Spaar family settled in Branford, Connecticut. One hundred-fifty years later, Malcom and Alice Spaar raised their three children, Wayne, Lorraine and Keith, in the family’s ancestral home on Mill Plain Road. Keith graduated from Branford Public Schools and went on to the Connecticut School of Electronics. In 1988, Keith was hired as a District Electronics Technician and later became Technology Coordinator at Walsh Intermediate School. While at Walsh, Keith created a warm and welcoming environment for all students, faculty and staff to learn and understand the use of technology. In addition, Keith welcomed students into his workshop giving them the hands-on experience of learning the craft.
Keith is now the Branford Public Schools District Wide Network Manager, a job which entails managing, maintaining and upgrading our information systems to keep teachers, administrators and parents connected in this ever-changing world. In this position, Keith has expanded our Wi-Fi coverage across the district and has helped implement one-to-one device initiatives for Branford students. When asked to reflect on Keith’s impact to the district, many of his peers quickly commented that Keith is always there to teach, guide and instruct on how to use and understand the available technology.
In 1993, Keith was one of the founding fathers of BCTV (Branford Community Television), bringing Channel 19, Branford’s educational access channel, to all residents. He has also served on the Branford Festival and other town committees.
Outside the classroom, Keith is an avid outdoorsman. He is the Education Chairman of the Connecticut Appalachian Mountain Club where he coordinates training opportunities for club members. He is a member and Master Educator for Leave No Trace, a non-profit organization which exists to educate people about their recreational impact on nature.
Keith is also a proud Scout Master for Branford Boy Scout Troop 428. As Scout Master, he is Training Chairman for the Connecticut Yankee Lighthouse District where he organizes training opportunities for scout leaders. Keith will be returning to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for his fourth expedition this summer. He’ll be leading scouts and leaders through the high adventure course. He was recently honored by the Boy Scouts of American as a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award for his distinguished service to scouting. Recipients are individuals who have made an impact on the lives of the youth through their hard work and dedication.
Keith is married to fellow educator Judy, who herself is a Branford kindergarten teacher and has been for the last twenty-nine years. Keith and Judy have two sons; Christian, who is attending the University of Connecticut and Aedan, who is a junior at Branford High.
Keith’s daily impact is not always seen. How often does it come to mind what makes the Internet keep flowing? Without his diligence and commitment to service, Branford would not be the Technology Education leader that it is today.
Keith is now the Branford Public Schools District Wide Network Manager, a job which entails managing, maintaining and upgrading our information systems to keep teachers, administrators and parents connected in this ever-changing world. In this position, Keith has expanded our Wi-Fi coverage across the district and has helped implement one-to-one device initiatives for Branford students. When asked to reflect on Keith’s impact to the district, many of his peers quickly commented that Keith is always there to teach, guide and instruct on how to use and understand the available technology.
In 1993, Keith was one of the founding fathers of BCTV (Branford Community Television), bringing Channel 19, Branford’s educational access channel, to all residents. He has also served on the Branford Festival and other town committees.
Outside the classroom, Keith is an avid outdoorsman. He is the Education Chairman of the Connecticut Appalachian Mountain Club where he coordinates training opportunities for club members. He is a member and Master Educator for Leave No Trace, a non-profit organization which exists to educate people about their recreational impact on nature.
Keith is also a proud Scout Master for Branford Boy Scout Troop 428. As Scout Master, he is Training Chairman for the Connecticut Yankee Lighthouse District where he organizes training opportunities for scout leaders. Keith will be returning to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico for his fourth expedition this summer. He’ll be leading scouts and leaders through the high adventure course. He was recently honored by the Boy Scouts of American as a recipient of the Silver Beaver Award for his distinguished service to scouting. Recipients are individuals who have made an impact on the lives of the youth through their hard work and dedication.
Keith is married to fellow educator Judy, who herself is a Branford kindergarten teacher and has been for the last twenty-nine years. Keith and Judy have two sons; Christian, who is attending the University of Connecticut and Aedan, who is a junior at Branford High.
Keith’s daily impact is not always seen. How often does it come to mind what makes the Internet keep flowing? Without his diligence and commitment to service, Branford would not be the Technology Education leader that it is today.