LifeChanger of the Year Nominee Profile

Larry Langan was nominated by his principal, Terri Sullivan.

The Woodbridge campus of the Middlesex County Vocational and Technical Schools is home to two unique programs. There is the competitive Academy for Allied Health and Biomedical Science high school program, and the Career Choices 8th-grade share-time program, where students from throughout the county can enjoy hands-on experiences in technical arts and vocations. 

Mr. Langan has been a fixture in the Career Choices program for 25 years. He makes an impact on each and every student who enters the building to learn construction technology, culinary arts, and digital media for half of the school year. He has the gift of treating each and every student as a unique, talented, and capable young scholar. That's no easy feat when you teach 180 students over the course of a year.

Mr. Langan does not define a student by their Individual Education Plan, but by their words, actions, and talents. He believes and communicates that each student will be successful, and he brings so much joy to them. Students aren't "others" in his class, nor are they given a pared-down curriculum suitable for a special education student or a middle schooler. In fact, they learn how to measure, prep, saw, join, sand, and construct multiple projects. They learn how to install electrical wiring, boxes, and even pipes.

"Trust me, when I first saw his room, I was afraid there were too many tools and too many dangers," said Sullivan. "The opposite is true. There is constant growth, development, and joy in his classroom, and every student leaves with solid skills in their pocket. Mr. Langan's ease and focus on safety and achievement creates a warm, wonderful place for students to navigate these grown-up tools and directions. His students develop the patience, critical thinking, and team work they will need to lead successful lives."

Mr. Langan is ethical, patient, kind, and creative. He doesn't seem to hear 15 hammers pounding nails on boards, electric saws, and power screwdrivers running. He is preoccupied with students being safe, gaining confidence, and making connections and friends. Mr. Langan is the master of respecting students and gaining their respect in return.

In addition to being a gifted teacher, Mr. Langan has served the school for a decade as the safety coordinator. He monitors exits, analyzes drills, and keeps all alarms and fire extinguishers current, tagged, and operational. He speaks to the faculty about the importance of safety and attends all District safety meetings. 

As a vocational teacher, Mr. Langan is also committed to helping students find their talents. He leads them through computer-based activities to evaluate what career might best suit them in the future. He incorporates technology in the classroom and seamlessly moved to distance learning this spring due to COVID-19 school closures.

Mr. Langan is a positive role model for students and staff alike. He is always professional and considers multiple points of view. He offers his opinion and knowledge at faculty meetings but does not need the spotlight. Mr. Langan is kind and helpful to new teachers in the building and on other campuses in the district. It's no wonder he was named Teacher of the Year for the building twice during his career.

"Larry is always personable and lights up when he discusses his family. He will surely be missed and will never be forgotten," said Sullivan.