Beginnings to academic years mean significant transitions not only for students, but also for their instructors.

“A nice thing about being a teacher is that every year is a new year,” said North Haven High School (NHHS) social studies instructor Tom Marak. Marak, also North Haven Teachers Association’s president, spoke at an Aug. 30 convocation for town teachers and academic officials in the NHHS auditorium.

“We all need to be prepared for change. This is going to be a year of change,” Marak said before the packed auditorium of educators. “Every district has room to improve.”

Potentially significant adjustments faced by teachers extend beyond classroom practices into the professional realm. “Education and educator rights are under attack in America now,” Marak said. “Many teachers have lost rights and salaries.”

During his speech, first-year superintendent Dr. Robert Cronin echoed Marak’s statement that the 2011-12 academic year would bring modification. “The North Haven school system is about to enter a period of change and transition,” he said. “During my first five months, I have determined what works well here, what needs to be addressed immediately and what can be attended to over time.”

“I spoke with a lot of people, and what they want is a school system and not just a system of schools. I can say with confidence that one of my core beliefs is that we’re all in this together,” he added. “People want a clear vision of what North Haven schools can become.”

In a document disseminated before the meeting, Cronin outlined his five primary goals for North Haven education. These include completing a kindergarten-through-fifth-grade language arts curriculum, full implementation of core subject curriculum at the middle school, creation of a district data team to create consistent practices and design protocols across all schools, increased involvement of the education leadership team with helping teachers utilize best practices and correction of any special-education non-compliances with Connecticut’s Department of Special Services.

“We need to have a viable, comprehensive curriculum,” Cronin said. “We need to have teachers who understand best practices.”

“We can’t do this all in one year, we can’t do it all in two years, but we have to get started,” he added. “Not one of us has all the answers, but as a group, there is no problem we cannot solve. We need to maintain a laser-sharp focus on those five goals.”

Agnes Cornwall, Montowese Elementary School art teacher and North Haven’s 2010 Teacher of the Year, gave an acceptance speech, during which students inserted varicolored petals into the styrofoam top of a four-foot flower on stage behind her.

“This is an incredible honor. I want to thank the community for choosing me and I want to applaud all the other candidates,” she said. “Why do we teach? For me, it’s all about the kids. They bring me joy and inspiration.”

“Students must be the center of our focus. They are at the center of all we do,” she added. “When we do that, we can create an environment where children can learn, grow, and [turning to the then-completely petaled flower] blossom.”

Before Cornwall spoke, she was complimented by her building’s principal, Mary Federico, who is entering her second year at Montowese. “Agnes’ love of children became evident right away,” Federico said. “Her art room is open every day before class so that students can come in and work on personal projects.”

“Her enthusiasm and passion for her craft is infectious,” Federico added. “What has impressed me the most is Agnes’ commitment to the school.”

First Selectman Michael Freda was also on the speaker agenda. “In the short time I have worked with Superintendent Dr. [Robert] Cronin, I am especially impressed with what he’s trying to bring to town,” he said at the microphone.

Freda told attendees that public education would remain a top priority for his administration. “I am personally willing to take the heat to provide the North Haven school system with what it needs to have,” he said. “As we move forward, that’s a commitment that we will continue to make here in North Haven.”