Danielle Dlubac was born in Hartford, Connecticut and has been a proud city of Hartford resident for the past six years. From a young age, when she led her first classroom of stuffed animals on her miniature Fisher Price easel, Danielle dreamed of one day becoming an elementary school teacher. With her end goal clearly defined, Danielle pushed herself to reach new successes in every opportunity she was given. In high school, Danielle was awarded the UCONN Biology award, which is given to one high school senior who excelled in the college level course each year.
After high school, Danielle attended University of Saint Josephs majoring in psychology and studying to obtain a K-6 Elementary education certification. To continue gaining experiences working with children, Danielle volunteered to teach 2nd grade catechism classes at her local church during this time. Danielle graduated summa cum laude and as a member Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.
After finishing her student teacher practicum, Danielle started her dream job as a 4th grade teacher in East Hartford, CT where she taught for 8 years. During her tenure at East Hartford Public Schools, Danielle completed her Master’s degree program in Math and Science Education, K-8.
To reinvigorate her love for teaching, Danielle took a 5th grade teaching position, four years ago, at Global Communications Academy IB in Hartford. Through Global’s Primary Years Programme, Danielle has been able to inspire her students to find voice, choice, and ownership within each unit of inquiry. This year Danielle also successfully wrote and received full funding for a technology grant to provide more access to technology initiatives for her 5th graders.
Danielle loves her Global school and community family and is always looking for ways to support the growth of the school and students. Danielle served as Parent Teacher Organization vice-president and secretary for 3 years, as well as the School Governance Council secretary for 2 years. Danielle is a team trained mentor and has led many school professional developments, including work on student-led conferences and Google Meet.
Besides her primary teaching role as a 5th grade teacher, Danielle also strives to build relationships with all students at Global. After school Danielle can be found tutoring Kindergarten students through Hartford Public Schools High Dosage Tutoring program, or simply taking time to tutor former 5th grade students who are now in middle school and in need of extra support. During the summer Danielle has also worked as a 1st grade teacher.
When anyone talks to Danielle, they always say that her biggest smile comes when she is talking about her students, who she always refers to as her “kids.” Danielle can often be seen at school sporting events cheering loudly for her “kids,” or at after school dances embarrassing them with her dancing. Danielle has loved connecting with her students and families over these past years in Hartford Public Schools and is beyond honored to be a finalist for Hartford Public Schools District Teacher of the Year!