DARIEN, Conn.:

Frank Keen, a Middlesex Middle School social studies teacher, retired this week after 34 years of teaching. Keen has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to education over the years, including receiving the 2001 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Award.

Darien teacher Frank Keen plans on doing some traveling now that he is retired. / Photo credit: Andrea Cragin
To commemorate his commitment to lifelong learning and dedication to all that is best in the education of young people, First Selectman Jayme Stevenson proclaimed Jan. 31 Frank Keen Day in Darien.

Keen’s extensive knowledge and love of history and world culture have made him an extraordinary teacher. Keen’s world travels have enable him to bring a sense of cultural appreciation and global citizenship to the students and teachers of Middlesex Middle School. He has taken over a thousand students on more than 30 trips to other countries around the world. Keen also organized exchange visits with the Coorg Public School of Darien’s sister city of Mercara, India, through the Mercara-Darien Association.

Keen plans to continue to travel extensively during his retirement, starting with plans to hike along the Appalachian Trail for a couple of months this spring. Keen is also currently planning on taking Middlesex students on international summer trips for the next two years.

source: http://www.TheDailyDarien.com / Schools / by Andrea Cragin, Middlesex Mom / February 03rd, 2012