Peter Stolzman
Peter Stolzman is often referred to as "the Conscience of Branford High School." He has earned the reputation for being an individual who clearly understands the moral imperatives associated with issues that confront society; moreover, he has demonstrated superior skills and significant courage in articulating the essential moral components of these issues to students, teachers and members of the extended Branford Community.
Peter was born to be a teacher and has developed adroit skills of his craft. His academic expertise is in social studies, but his calling is helping people better understand the common humanity that we all share. Just.as important, Peter serves as a most effective agent for engaging students and others to take proactive roles in fostering justice and compassion within our community, nation and, indeed, the world. He accomplishes this with a variety of teaching skills and ample doses of common sense and humor.
A graduate of Hillhouse High School, where he was the recipient of the New Haven Scholarship, Peter entered the University of Connecticut immediately after high school in 1962, and majored in history. At UConn he served as Maryland House Treasurer and President. He was the varsity manager of the highly successful 1965 UConn baseball team and continues to be one of Husky basketball's most ardent supporters. After earning a BA degree in 1966, Peter joined the Peace Corps as a volunteer in Nigeria, West Africa, serving until 1968 as a community development leader. He returned to the United States and began teaching in Branford where he has served as a social studies teacher to the present. He continued his education at the University of Bridgeport, earning a MA in history in 1971 and was elected into the National History Honor Society.
Peter's penchant for community service can be seen in the many experiences he has had since returning from Africa. He served as a member of the New Haven Democratic Town Committee and was Chairman of the 28th Ward. He continues as Treasurer of the New Haven Scholarship Fund after 35 years of involvement. He is a member of the Martin Luther King Breakfast Committee that is sponsored by the Branford Council of Churches and is currently Secretary of the Greater New Haven Interfaith Cooperative Ministries. Peter has been a member of the Board of Directors for Temple Emanuel of Greater New Haven.
At Branford High School, Peter Stolzman "is" Amnesty International, founding the local chapter in 1989. Meeting as a club each Tuesday during the school year, the organization has grown into a large and effective voice for justice and human rights. Students participate in a variety of experiences, including fundraising, field trips, sponsoring speakers and participating in letter writing campaigns on behalf of prisoners who have been denied justice and basic human rights. The impact of these activities has been profound on BHS students. Graduates who relate stories about how they have continued to bear witness for justice and human dignity as adults best tell it.
Over two decades ago, Peter developed "American Character," a BHS social studies course designed to create an understanding of and sensitivity to the immigrant experience in America. Few courses at Branford High School rival the number of students who elect this course each year. In 2001, in recognition of a lifetime of service to the cause of peace, Peter Stolzman was awarded the Martin Luther King/Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award by the Connecticut Education Association. In Branford, in proximity to the Green, a peace pole proudly was erected by the community to commemorate this significant recognition of a man who is so dedicated to peace.
For years, Peter Stolzman has been acknowledged to be a model teacher. He is certified as a BEST Cooperating Teacher by the Connecticut State Department of Education and has worked extensively with Yale University in assisting their student teachers. Regularly, his wise council is sought by teaching colleagues.
Peter is an active member of the National Education Association, Connecticut Education Association and the Branford Education Association. In the BEA, he has served as president and Political Action Chair.
Peter resides in Branford with Lee, his wife. They are the parents of two married children, Rebecca and Fred, and are the proud and loving grandparents of Gabriel, a precocious four year-old.
For the thousands of lives he has touched at Branford High School as a teacher and man of conscience, for his stellar record as a teacher and leader for human rights and justice and for his extensive service in educational organizations and human rights initiatives, the Branford Community is pleased to induct Peter D. Stolzman into Branford's Education Hall of Fame.
Peter was born to be a teacher and has developed adroit skills of his craft. His academic expertise is in social studies, but his calling is helping people better understand the common humanity that we all share. Just.as important, Peter serves as a most effective agent for engaging students and others to take proactive roles in fostering justice and compassion within our community, nation and, indeed, the world. He accomplishes this with a variety of teaching skills and ample doses of common sense and humor.
A graduate of Hillhouse High School, where he was the recipient of the New Haven Scholarship, Peter entered the University of Connecticut immediately after high school in 1962, and majored in history. At UConn he served as Maryland House Treasurer and President. He was the varsity manager of the highly successful 1965 UConn baseball team and continues to be one of Husky basketball's most ardent supporters. After earning a BA degree in 1966, Peter joined the Peace Corps as a volunteer in Nigeria, West Africa, serving until 1968 as a community development leader. He returned to the United States and began teaching in Branford where he has served as a social studies teacher to the present. He continued his education at the University of Bridgeport, earning a MA in history in 1971 and was elected into the National History Honor Society.
Peter's penchant for community service can be seen in the many experiences he has had since returning from Africa. He served as a member of the New Haven Democratic Town Committee and was Chairman of the 28th Ward. He continues as Treasurer of the New Haven Scholarship Fund after 35 years of involvement. He is a member of the Martin Luther King Breakfast Committee that is sponsored by the Branford Council of Churches and is currently Secretary of the Greater New Haven Interfaith Cooperative Ministries. Peter has been a member of the Board of Directors for Temple Emanuel of Greater New Haven.
At Branford High School, Peter Stolzman "is" Amnesty International, founding the local chapter in 1989. Meeting as a club each Tuesday during the school year, the organization has grown into a large and effective voice for justice and human rights. Students participate in a variety of experiences, including fundraising, field trips, sponsoring speakers and participating in letter writing campaigns on behalf of prisoners who have been denied justice and basic human rights. The impact of these activities has been profound on BHS students. Graduates who relate stories about how they have continued to bear witness for justice and human dignity as adults best tell it.
Over two decades ago, Peter developed "American Character," a BHS social studies course designed to create an understanding of and sensitivity to the immigrant experience in America. Few courses at Branford High School rival the number of students who elect this course each year. In 2001, in recognition of a lifetime of service to the cause of peace, Peter Stolzman was awarded the Martin Luther King/Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award by the Connecticut Education Association. In Branford, in proximity to the Green, a peace pole proudly was erected by the community to commemorate this significant recognition of a man who is so dedicated to peace.
For years, Peter Stolzman has been acknowledged to be a model teacher. He is certified as a BEST Cooperating Teacher by the Connecticut State Department of Education and has worked extensively with Yale University in assisting their student teachers. Regularly, his wise council is sought by teaching colleagues.
Peter is an active member of the National Education Association, Connecticut Education Association and the Branford Education Association. In the BEA, he has served as president and Political Action Chair.
Peter resides in Branford with Lee, his wife. They are the parents of two married children, Rebecca and Fred, and are the proud and loving grandparents of Gabriel, a precocious four year-old.
For the thousands of lives he has touched at Branford High School as a teacher and man of conscience, for his stellar record as a teacher and leader for human rights and justice and for his extensive service in educational organizations and human rights initiatives, the Branford Community is pleased to induct Peter D. Stolzman into Branford's Education Hall of Fame.