A graduate of the University of Bridgeport, who is now a high school teacher in Waterbury, is one of four finalists for the 2016 National Teacher of the Year Award.
Jahana Hayes teaches history at John F. Kennedy High School.
She was already named the 2016 State of Connecticut Teacher of the Year.
The winner of the National Teacher of the Year Award will be selected in April and will be recognized at the White House by President Obama.