Horizons at Westminster Educator Wins Teacher of the Year

Horizons at Westminster proudly announces that kindergarten teacher Yasmin Goodley has been named the 2026 Lyn McNaught Teacher of the Year by Horizons National. This prestigious award honors educators across the national Horizons network (made up of over 1800 teachers!) who exemplifies excellence in teaching, deep commitment to students, and joyful leadership within their program community.

A member of Horizons at Westminster since 2022, Yasmin is widely regarded as a shining example of what Horizons represents. She cares deeply for every student, is a highly effective educator, promotes joy in every element of the program, serves as a trusted resource for colleagues, and is an outstanding mentor to assistant teachers, counselors, and volunteers. Simply put, she is an exceptional ambassador for Horizons at Westminster.

Yas fully engages in every aspect of the Horizons day. From facilitating lively breakfast table conversations with students of all ages, to leading her kindergarteners through dynamic, differentiated learning stations, to helping a student connect with a tennis ball for the first time, she is always present, always positive, and always engaged. Whether jumping into the pool to encourage a hesitant swimmer or dancing alongside students in the theater, Yas models enthusiasm and wholehearted participation.

As the program’s kindergarten teacher, Yas holds one of the most demanding roles at Horizons with our youngest learners, yet she carries it with remarkable grace. She soothes nervous first-day tears, learns Spanish phrases to better support her English language learners, encourages students who have never gone swimming before to bravely step into the pool, and thoughtfully balances challenge and support for every learner in her classroom. She anticipates her students’ needs with keen insight and celebrates their growth with genuine excitement. A smile, a well-timed joke, a high five, or a hug is never far away.

Colleagues often describe Yas as a “once-in-a-lifetime” educator whose impact on students is lasting and profound. Her energy uplifts everyone around her and never falters. In fact, Horizons at Westminster’s Program Director Kelly Wosleger frequently jokes that she hopes Yas won’t go anywhere until her own young daughter is old enough to have her as a teacher.

Beyond her classroom excellence, Yas demonstrates leadership across the broader Horizons community. She is a graduate of the Connecticut Teacher Residency Program, an alternate-route certification initiative designed to increase the number of teachers of color in Connecticut. Yas has actively recruited other talented graduates from the program to join Horizons, strengthening the pipeline of diverse, high-quality educators. She also remains deeply involved in Horizons’ school-year initiatives, consistently showing up for Saturday Academies, family events, and holiday celebrations. Her dedication to students and the program extends far beyond the summer months.

The Lyn McNaught Teacher of the Year Award recognizes educators who embody instructional excellence, mentorship, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Horizons mission of educational equity. Yas Goodley’s passion, professionalism, and joyful spirit make her a deserving recipient of this national honor.

“Yas lifts everyone up – students, families, and colleagues alike,” said Patrick Owens, Executive Director of Horizons at Westminster. “Her classroom is filled with joy, belonging, and high expectations. We could not be prouder to see her recognized as Horizons National’s Lyn McNaught Teacher of the Year.”

Horizons National serves students across the country through high-quality summer enrichment and year-round programming designed to advance educational opportunity and long-term academic success. As this year’s award recipient, Yas was honored among peers from across the Horizons network at the national conference in February.

For more information about Horizons at Westminster, please visit horizonsatwestminster.org or reach out to Katie McKinney, Director of Development & Community Relations, at kmckinney@westminster-school.org.