2023 Greenwich Distinguished Teachers Announced

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich Public Schools' Distinguished Teachers Awards Committee (DTAC) has named the 2023 Distinguished Teachers.

This year's distinguished teachers are:

• Erin John, New Lebanon School, Grade 1
• Gaspare Lipari, Western Middle School, English/Social Studies/Tech Grades 6-8
• Aaron Lofaro, Central Middle School, Music Grades 6-8
• Joan O’Day, Greenwich High School, Social Worker
• Carol Pugliano-Martin, New Lebanon School, ALP/Language Arts Grades 2-5
• Maria Woodward, Central Middle School, Mathematics Grade 7

"As a committee, we are pleased with the amount of nominations we received this year for an enthusiastic and energetic group of educators and collaborators," said DTAC Chair Stacy Loveless in a news release. "The six 2023 Distinguished Teachers named display an extraordinary commitment to elevating their students, schools, and the entire district. The measures each one takes remarkably exceeds all expectations."

Nominations for GPS Distinguished Teachers are submitted by students, parents and colleagues in early March each year. Each member of the DTAC reviews every nomination packet.

At the annual "vote meeting" in April, DTAC members submit their ballots anonymously and without discussion. The ballots are tallied and the six teachers with the most votes are selected to receive the Distinguished Teacher Award.

The DTAC includes no more than 20 members, with representatives from the Board of Education, Greenwich Education Association, Greenwich Organization of School Administrators, the PTA Council, and members of the community including representatives from the Kiwanis and other community organizations, parents and many previously named Greenwich Distinguished Teachers.

The entire school community is welcome to celebrate the teachers at the Distinguished Teachers Award ceremony, set for 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, at Central Middle School.

The teachers were also recognized on April 21 during the regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting.