HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) — The National Teacher of the Year received an honorary degree at Quinnipiac University on Saturday. Jahana Hayes was also the commencement speaker at the University’s graduate ceremony.
About 500 students graduated with their master’s degrees, including dozens with degrees in education. Hayes told the students to embrace failure and to take risks.
“Humane letters – when I think about the people who have received that honor, to be included among that group is just rare and amazing,” said Hayes. She spoke with News 8 after the ceremony.
Hayes was named National Teacher of the Year last month. She’s a history teacher at John F. Kennedy High School in Waterbury.
