Contributed photo.
The following was submitted by Jordyn Miller, the regional communications manager at Educators for Excellence.
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Month, Educators for Excellence-Connecticut (E4E-CT) presented New Haven educators with Rising Star Awards throughout the month of May to acknowledge their success and impact within the classroom.
These teachers were nominated by colleagues and administration who witnessed them making immensely positive impacts on their classroom environments. The New Haven Rising Star Awards recognize educators who have contributed to their school’s culture by fostering a sense of community or going above and beyond for their schools and their students.
“Our educators work tirelessly to curate a comfortable and cohesive environment for their students in the classroom, and they deserve to be recognized for their hard work,” said Daniel Pearson, executive director of Educators for Excellence-Connecticut.
“We are honored to present these educators with the Rising Star Awards, especially knowing that they are nominated by their colleagues. It is special to know your work is being recognized by those around you, and this is one of the ways we can show our gratitude to New Haven teachers,” Pearson added.
Awardees include Michelle Pielggi, a STEM educator at Barnard Environment Studies Interdistrict Magnet School, Holly Smith of Edgewood Magnet School, Truman School teachers Ryan Heath and Christina Marchitto, Nancy Wattnem at Roberto Clemente School, first grade teacher Jennifer Grasso at Davis Street Magnet School, Jaseen Pickett of Ross Woodward Classical Studies Magnet School, Hill Central School's Tracy Cunningham, Engineering Science University Magnet School's Reginald Alexis, Lincoln Bassett Community School's Jennifer Maselli, Melissa Deroche at Clinton Avenue School, and District Science Supervisor Andrea Gomez.
Award presentations occurred at New Haven Schools throughout the month of May, as organizers from E4E-CT visited nominees in their classrooms, surrounded by their students. In total, 14 teachers were nominated by colleagues and were recognized for their outstanding teaching performance this school year.
Ryan Heath, a teacher at Truman School in New Haven, was one of the 14 teachers to receive a Rising Star award. He was nominated by a colleague for his positive impact on educating a multicultural community, and his dedication to communication and building positive relationships with students and their families.
“I am overwhelmed and humbled by my peers’ nomination,” Heath said. “I would like to thank Educators for Excellence - Connecticut for this recognition. I feel grateful to work with the families and community at Truman School to support the learners that pass through our doors.”