Stamford Public Schools Names Teacher, Paraeducator Of Year; Educators Honored

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Public Schools announced the recognition of 42 educators and staff members as part of its 2026-27 Teacher of the Year cohort, Paraeducator of the Year finalists and Spotlight on Teaching honorees.

Following a districtwide selection process that included peer nominations, the Teacher of the Year and Spotlight Committee named Marcella Barrios, an eighth-grade mathematics teacher at Rogers International School, as the 2026-27 Teacher of the Year.

Mery Lopez of Hart School was named the district’s Paraeducator of the Year.

"Each year, the SPS community of educators recognize outstanding teachers and paraeducators from pre-school, elementary, middle, high, and alternative Stamford Public Schools through its Teacher of the Year, Paraeducator of the Year, and Spotlight Award Programs," said outgoing SPS Superintendent Dr. Tamu Lucero, in a news release. "Beyond the awards, this recognition celebrates the tangible, life-changing power of one person’s resolve to see our students succeed."

Barrios was recognized alongside Teacher of the Year finalists Siobhan Kilcoyne Collins of Rogers International School, Daniel Lauture of Stamford High School, Martha Mavridis of Turn of River Middle School and Gladymarie Rivera of Westover School.

"All students need to know they are capable of learning," Barrios said in her award application. "Throughout my teaching career, I have inspired students to believe they can learn as long as they work hard and persevere."

Principal of Rogers International School Cathy Cummings said Barrios "exemplifies the grace of a sea turtle."

"Much like these creatures, she remains balanced and isn't swayed by the currents," Cummings said. "As a gifted communicator, she guides her students with a 'slow and steady' patience that ensures that every student has a significant, relevant, engaging and challenging mathematical experience."

As the district’s Teacher of the Year, Barrios will serve as Stamford’s nominee for the 2027 Connecticut Teacher of the Year program.

Lopez was honored along with Paraeducator of the Year finalists Mary Kiliwba-Adams of Westover Magnet School and Gabrielle Cormier of APPLES PreK.

"Mery doesn’t just assist in the classroom; she builds a home within our school. By championing every student’s unique potential," said Hart Principal Sandra Carlton, in a news release. "She has become a cornerstone of our school culture. She reminds us daily that when students feel seen and supported, they don't just learn—they thrive."

"Mery’s unwavering dedication and compassion make a profound difference in our students' lives each day," added Paraeducators Union President Elyse Pastore. "We are incredibly proud to have such an inspiring paraeducator representing our union."

Paraeducators provide instructional and behavioral support to students under the supervision of certified teachers and licensed professionals, helping facilitate small-group learning and classroom accessibility.

In addition to the top awards, the district recognized 26 individuals and teaching teams through its Spotlight on Education Awards for their contributions to Stamford Public Schools.

Individual honorees include:

• James Agostino, Toquam Magnet School
• Rebecca Benenson, Toquam Magnet School
• Simeon Buresch, Rippowam Middle School
• Tracy Chichester, Julia A. Stark Elementary School
• Robert Cody, Rogers International School
• Colleen Curtin, APPLES Pre-K
• Betty Davila, CLC William Pitt Child Development Center
• Laura Dias, Turn of River Middle School
• Crosby Fox, Strawberry Hill School
• Elizabeth Golove, Stillmeadow Elementary School
• Jane Lambert, Turn of River Middle School
• Nicole Marciano, Scofield Middle School
• Laura Marino, Central Office Teaching & Learning Dept.
• Melissa Melichionne, Roxbury Elementary School
• Spiro Milas, Westhill High School
• Melissa Murray, Toquam Magnet School
• Melissa Nesbitt, SPS Anchor
• Fiona O’Connell, Hart Magnet School
• Nereida Rama, Turn of River Middle School
• Raffaele Ruffo, Stamford High School
• Tracy Vodola, Scofield Magnet Middle School
• Pam Wink, Hart Magnet School

Team honorees include:

• Mary Peters, Cloonan Middle School
• Efralim Diaz, Cloonan Middle School
• Jose Rios Nino, Cloonan Middle School
• Eliva Gertz, Cloonan Middle School

The honorees were selected based on peer-submitted nominations that highlighted their instructional excellence, student support and contributions to school communities.

All award recipients are scheduled to be recognized at a Celebration of Teaching & Learning event on May 7 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Village in Stamford.