New London Educator Named CT's Teacher Of The Year

NEW LONDON, CT — Kiana Foster-Mauro, a fourth-grade teacher at Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School in New London, has been selected as Connecticut’s 2024 Teacher of the Year. The recognition is the state’s highest honor celebrating extraordinary teachers.

Gov. Ned Lamont, Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker, and other state and local officials delivered the news to Foster-Mauro this week during a surprise visit to her classroom, which was followed by a schoolwide assembly and celebration with the honoree’s students, fellow educators, and family.

“We are grateful to have a hardworking educator like Ms. Foster-Mauro teaching in our public schools,” Lamont said in a statement. “We’ve heard so many impressive stories about her from her colleagues and students at Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School. She embodies the qualities needed to prepare students for success throughout their lives. It was an honor to visit her in her classroom today to deliver this great news. Connecticut has the best public school teachers in the nation and they should be recognized and celebrated.”

Foster-Mauro has presented at conferences, nationally and locally. She has been a member of the National Association for Multicultural Education since 2018 and was recently accepted to present on facilitating critical conversations around current events, identity, human rights, and mental health.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in education with minors in history and human rights, and a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from the University of Connecticut. At UConn, she served on the executive board of Leadership in Diversity, a student-led organization dedicated to diversifying education.

Foster-Mauro is a lifelong learner who is committed to empowering her students, according to the statement.

"As a Black, biracial woman, Foster-Mauro understands the importance of diversity in education. She believes teaching is a radical act that impacts minds and hearts, designing lessons that empower and tackle critical and relevant topics."

“Kiana has shown exceptional qualities, such as intentional planning, unwavering responsibility, and a genuine commitment to the craft of teaching,” Jason Foster, principal of Nathan Hale Arts Magnet Elementary School, said in the statement. “Her passion and dedication to our students exemplify the highest standards of education. She is a critical part of our school community, and we are proud to honor this achievement.”