Robert A. Brulotte
A 1944 graduate of Branford High School, Robert Brulotte’s focus was on education and teaching even in high school. After graduation he attended New Haven State Teachers College for two years before transferring to Teachers College of Connecticut in New Britain, now called Central Connecticut State University, where he was in the graduating class of 1948. He immediately began his teaching career in Branford at the Branford Junior High School and from there went to the Intermediate School where he continued until his retirement in 1986. In June of 1951, Bob received his Master's degree in teaching from Yale University.
Bob Brulotte taught social studies with great skill and a wry sense of humor. His effective, soft-spoken style earned the respect of his students and colleagues. He was known for his high academic standards and equally high expectation that his students would perform well. From behind the lectern, with one foot braced on the lower cross piece and two hands gripping the top, Bob dispensed his wisdom and knowledge to seventh and eighth graders as he rocked the lectern back and forth. The Prime Meridian, tropical rain forests, the Gobi Desert became transformed from words in the green covered geography book to clearly understood realities that became interconnected through Bob's focused and vivid descriptions and explanations. When the Walsh Intermediate School opened, Bob became a member of the dynamic and veteran Team 13 where he taught English/literature. Students remember that he asked extremely focused questions that caused them to think and understand the complex nature of our planet. He had a way of turning a student's question into an opportunity for the entire class to solve a problem. He had the unique gift of being able to engage everyone in solving problems. He was very popular with his students.
As his reputation as a master teacher grew, Bob was sought to mentor student teachers which he did frequently. The associations he had with student teachers played a significant role in their education as teachers. Often, they would try to adopt his style, to which Bob would challenge them to develop methods that worked with students and that matched their personalities. Nevertheless most often they emerged from the experience with skills and methods that replicated Bob's. It is true that imitation is the most sincere form of compliment.
Bob's ability to visualize solutions for issues that developed in the school and to gently suggest a course of action became a major force in the Junior High School. When Bob made a suggestion, teachers and administrators listened because they knew Bob had given considerable thought to the situation and could be counted on for wise council. Undoubtedly this was one major reason why Bob was selected to assist with administrative duties when principal, Harold Brewer was hospitalized. While informally recognized by the Junior High faculty on many occasions, his colleagues officially recognized Bob 1.11ith a special award for Outstanding Service as a Teacher at the Branford Junior High School in 1972. Bob retired from teaching after thirty-eight years as a top-flight teacher in the Branford schools.
Bob was active outside of school. A parishioner of St. Clare's Church in East Haven, Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as an usher. He found time to coach in the Annex Little League for a number of years. An unremitting Red Sox fan, Bob also enjoyed golf, bowling, playing bridge, oil painting, gardening and reading, as well. His wife Phoebe, two daughters, Jean DeLauro of Meriden and Linda Rascati of East Haven, a son, Robert R. Brulotte of North Haven and eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren, survive Bob. His brother, Reginald, is a former teacher in the East Haven School.
Bob Brulotte taught social studies with great skill and a wry sense of humor. His effective, soft-spoken style earned the respect of his students and colleagues. He was known for his high academic standards and equally high expectation that his students would perform well. From behind the lectern, with one foot braced on the lower cross piece and two hands gripping the top, Bob dispensed his wisdom and knowledge to seventh and eighth graders as he rocked the lectern back and forth. The Prime Meridian, tropical rain forests, the Gobi Desert became transformed from words in the green covered geography book to clearly understood realities that became interconnected through Bob's focused and vivid descriptions and explanations. When the Walsh Intermediate School opened, Bob became a member of the dynamic and veteran Team 13 where he taught English/literature. Students remember that he asked extremely focused questions that caused them to think and understand the complex nature of our planet. He had a way of turning a student's question into an opportunity for the entire class to solve a problem. He had the unique gift of being able to engage everyone in solving problems. He was very popular with his students.
As his reputation as a master teacher grew, Bob was sought to mentor student teachers which he did frequently. The associations he had with student teachers played a significant role in their education as teachers. Often, they would try to adopt his style, to which Bob would challenge them to develop methods that worked with students and that matched their personalities. Nevertheless most often they emerged from the experience with skills and methods that replicated Bob's. It is true that imitation is the most sincere form of compliment.
Bob's ability to visualize solutions for issues that developed in the school and to gently suggest a course of action became a major force in the Junior High School. When Bob made a suggestion, teachers and administrators listened because they knew Bob had given considerable thought to the situation and could be counted on for wise council. Undoubtedly this was one major reason why Bob was selected to assist with administrative duties when principal, Harold Brewer was hospitalized. While informally recognized by the Junior High faculty on many occasions, his colleagues officially recognized Bob 1.11ith a special award for Outstanding Service as a Teacher at the Branford Junior High School in 1972. Bob retired from teaching after thirty-eight years as a top-flight teacher in the Branford schools.
Bob was active outside of school. A parishioner of St. Clare's Church in East Haven, Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served as an usher. He found time to coach in the Annex Little League for a number of years. An unremitting Red Sox fan, Bob also enjoyed golf, bowling, playing bridge, oil painting, gardening and reading, as well. His wife Phoebe, two daughters, Jean DeLauro of Meriden and Linda Rascati of East Haven, a son, Robert R. Brulotte of North Haven and eleven grandchildren and four great grandchildren, survive Bob. His brother, Reginald, is a former teacher in the East Haven School.