Rep. Jeff Berger (D-Waterbury), Rep. Selim Noujaim
(R-Waterbury), Rep. Anthony J. D’Amelio (RWaterbury,
Middlebury) and Sen. Joan Hartley (DNaugatuck,
Prospect and Waterbury) presented a
legislative “Teacher of The Year” citation to Martin
Sagendorf, a physics teacher at Warren Fox Kaynor
Technical High School (Kaynor Tech) and toured areas
of the school undergoing construction.
Mr. Sagendorf has taught at Kaynor since 2003. He was selected as the Teacher of the
Year in 2007 by Superintendent Abigail Hughes. Mr. Sagendorf also does volunteer
work including lectures, displays and demonstrations relating to historical aspects of
telegraphy, telephony, and radio communications.
“The importance of vocational training is essential to the overall training and education of
our 9-12 model. Good paying jobs and high quality vo-tech education is part of
Connecticut holding a competitive edge national and internationally and helping create
jobs and revenue for our state,” Rep. Berger said. “What we are doing here today will set
the mark for what we do in the future.”
“W. F. Kaynor Technical High School has always been near and dear to my heart. Over
the years, the Noujaim Tool Company, where I work, has hired many of their graduates,”
said state Rep. Selim Noujaim. “We have been recruiting Kaynor Tech students through
the State of Connecticut’s apprenticeship program for several years and we’ve been very
pleased with their ethics. After they graduate, they become full-time tool and die makers
at our company. I am proud of the educational opportunities Kaynor Tech provides to
young people in the Greater Waterbury area and I will continue to give the school my
enthusiastic support.”
“My personal congratulations to Mr. Sagendorf for having been named legislative
Teacher of the Year. Mr. Sagendorf has touched the lives of Kaynor Technical high
school graduates who have learned more than just the standard high school curriculum
but have mastered a skill or a trade which is crucial to the quality of life in this state but
equally important to the overall competitiveness and to the economy of the State of
Connecticut. Mr. Sagendorf’s graduates and all of Kaynor Technical high
school students are vitally important to maintaining a skilled Connecticut workforce. Our
profound thanks to Mr. Sagendorf!” Sen. Hartley said.
“For many years, W. F. Kaynor Technical High School has been providing a well-trained
and dependable pool of graduates who are well-regarded by area manufacturers and other
employers,” said Rep. Anthony J. D’Amelio. “With companies throughout Connecticut
having difficulty finding well-qualified workers to fill vacant positions, Waterbury-area
young people can be confident that as Kaynor Tech graduates, there will be a steady
demand for their skills for years to come. Our state’s vocational-technical schools play a
vital role in keeping Connecticut’s economy growing – and Kaynor Tech is one of the
best of them.”
Kaynor Tech is undergoing renovations and expansion as part of a $60 million state
package the Waterbury delegation has worked to secure. Located at 43 Tompkins Street
in Waterbury, the school was established in 1953 and hosts students from a number of
municipalities including Naugatuck, Prospect, Watertown, Wolcott, Beacon Falls,
Middlebury, Southbury and Woodbury.
Kaynor Tech offers instruction in many trades including construction, auto, electrical and
electronics, heating/air conditioning, and hairdressing. Instruction is rotated every three
weeks to include support courses in math, science, art and computers as well as
traditional academic courses.
Programming in supportive remedial reading, math, and English is also provided. A full
time school psychologist is available as well as a full time registered nurse. Since its
opening in 1953, Kaynor Tech has undergone three expansion projects to keep pace with
technology.
The school also partners with area trades-people who meet regularly with shop instructors
to share knowledge about the latest trends and techniques in their fields. Through
cooperation of local industries, students are provided with an opportunity for hands-on
experience in their selected trades. Many alumni return for additional training in the
adult education program.