Citizen Contributions | Education
The following citizen contribution was submitted by Jordyn Miller, regional communications manager for Educators for Excellence.
For the fourth consecutive year, Educators for Excellence–Connecticut (E4E–CT), a teacher-led organization, proudly honored exceptional educators and students at the 2025 Rising Star Awards. Nominees were selected by colleagues and administrators in recognition of their leadership, dedication, and positive impact throughout the school year.
“Especially this year, with so much uncertainty in education, the Rising Star Awards are a small but meaningful way to honor the hard work of both educators and students in our schools,” said Daniel Pearson, executive director of Educators for Excellence - Connecticut. “It’s important to take any opportunity we have to recognize extraordinary efforts that go beyond the classroom and positively impact the school and community as a whole.”
Along with 11 New Haven students, educator awardees of this years’ Rising Star Awards included Lauren Dooley of Davis Academy for Arts and Design Innovation; Chastity Berrios-Hernandez of Clinton Avenue School; Rachel Forsa of Worthington Hooker School; Jennifer Kaye from Lincoln-Bassett Community School; Denise Roman of School Readiness Pre-K Program at East Rock Magnet; Amy Giddings and Nicole Raccio of East Rock Community Magnet; Amanda Tamburrino and Emily Palten of John S.Martinez School; Gyna Grant of Augusta Lewis Troup School; and Geri Mezzoni and Emily Nguyen of Clemente Leadership Academy.
Chastity Berrios-Hernandez, nominated by her colleague Donata Dziejma, was one of 12 teachers to receive a Rising Star Award. She was nominated for her deep relationships with students and willingness to go above and beyond to help them succeed.
“It’s truly an honor to be recognized and celebrated for all of my contributions to students and their families throughout my years of teaching in New Haven Public Schools,” said Berrios-Hernandez. “As someone who now teaches in the same school and grade level where I was once a student, I aspire to make my classroom a space that fosters curiosity, embraces cultural differences, and promotes respect and understanding."
"This recognition highlights the teaching and learning that educators engage in daily. I’m grateful to New Haven’s Rising Star for honoring the importance of education and celebrating the success of amazing educators.”