For the first time since 1994, a teacher from southwestern Connecticut has been named the state?s Teacher of the Year.

Christopher Poulos is a Spanish teacher at Joel Barlow High School in Redding. Students and faculty filled the gymnasium Tuesday to see Poulos accept one of the state?s top honors. Poulos? students and colleagues say he deserves the honor.

Poulos says he has a unique approach to teaching his students. In 2003, he traveled to Costa Rica with more than 50 students. Poulos says he exposed the students to a culture that can?t be learned in the classroom. Poulos will now go to speak at education conferences and workshops throughout the state. He will also represent Connecticut in the competition for the National Teacher of the Year Award.