Stamford Public Schools Names 2019-20 Teacher Of The Year

From SPS:Stamford Public Schools (SPS) announced that Katelyn Tavolacci, Julia A. Stark Elementary School Fifth Grade Teacher, was selected as the 2019-2020 Stamford Teacher of the Year, by the SPS Teacher of the Year and Spotlight Award Program committee. As the SPS Teacher of the Year, Tavolacci automatically becomes a candidate for the State of Connecticut Teacher of the Year program.

“I am incredibly honored to have been designated as Stamford Teacher of the Year,” said Tavolacci. “As an SPS graduate myself, I am even more appreciative of the opportunity to represent Stamford's community of outstanding teachers and those of Stark School. Thank you to my colleagues, administrators, the committee members and, most importantly, my current and former students for learning alongside me and for teaching me just as much as, if not more than, I have taught them.”

The committee also named Turn of River Eighth Grade Language Arts Teacher Debra Wilson as First Finalist and Westhill High School World Language Teacher Ann Herz as Second Finalist.

“Congratulations to Katelyn, Debra and Ann, as well as to the Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalists and all of the Spotlight Winners,” said Stamford Superintendent Earl Kim. “I am honored to work among such an outstanding team of educators, who are being recognized for going above and beyond to challenge, inspire and prepare our students every day.”

Tavolacci has spent her 12-year education career at Stark Elementary, beginning her first three years as a Special Education co-teacher. In addition to her current post as a Grade 5 teacher, she has also served for several years as a Grade 1 teacher and Literacy teacher. Throughout her time in the district, Tavolacci launched an after-school leadership academy, served on the Literacy Curriculum Committee, was a member of the school Data Team, and a former Spotlight Winner and SPEF Excellence in Education nominee.

“It is no surprise to me that Katelyn was chosen as SPS Teacher of the Year,” said Julia A. Stark Principal Jennifer DeRubeis. “She has a way of nurturing all of her students and enables them to ignite their own internal flame and passion for learning and collaboration. The Stark community couldn’t be prouder of her dedication and commitment to students and families.”

Tavolacci holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Inclusive Elementary/Special Education from Syracuse University and a Master of Arts degree in Literacy Education and a 6th year certification in Curriculum and Instruction. Tavolacci’s Stamford roots include attending Springdale Elementary School,Dolan Middle School, and graduating from Stamford High School in 2003.

Tavolacci, Wilson and Herz, along with the 2019-2020 Teacher of the Year semi-finalists, Academy of Information Technology & Engineering (AITE) Science Teacher Lataya Middleton, AITE Science Teacher Kimberly Smith, Cloonan Middle School Sixth Grade Social Studies Teacher Donna Bolcer and Roxbury Kindergarten Teacher Lisa Fiori, in addition to the 11 Spotlight Award Winners, will be honored at the SPEF Excellence in Education Awards event. The event is Thursday, March 21, 2019, at the Stamford Sheraton Hotel, from 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. Tickets are required.

The Teacher of the Year process is rigorous. Nominations were solicited late last year and the committee members evaluated all submissions based on the following criteria: Outstanding Teaching, Exceptional Student Support, Exemplary Community Involvement and Positive Influence on School Culture. From among the 44 submissions, the committee selected 11 individuals to be honored with a Spotlight Award, as well as the more exclusive group to be considered for Teacher of the Year. Those to be considered for Teacher of the Year were required to submit three essays and be interviewed by the committee. Finalists were determined after the interview process and each was required to submit a videotaped lesson. After reviewing the videos the committee made its final selection of Tavolacci.