MILFORD, MA — A middle school teacher in Milford has received Milford Public Schools' top annual teaching honor.
Lisa Rizoli, a reading teacher at Stacy Middle School, was named the 2026 Senator Louis P. Bertonazzi Foundation Outstanding Teacher of the Year. The School Committee recognized Rizoli and five other school-level nominees at the Oct. 1 Milford School Committee meeting.
The other educators honored were Amy Riordan of Shining Star Early Childhood Center, Jillian Lynch of Brookside School, Kelly Selander of Memorial School, Annie Ablondi of Woodland School and Austin Costa of Milford High School.
The nominees were announced at the beginning of the school year and received plaques during the committee meeting. Rizoli had also previously received the award's $1,000 cash prize
The foundation has recognized an outstanding Milford classroom teacher annually since 1992, David Bertonazzi, the son of whom the award was named after, told the committee. Schools nominate candidates, and a community committee selects the districtwide recipient.
The selection criteria include innovative and effective teaching methods that improve student interest and performance, professional development that strengthens instruction and work with students, colleagues, administrators, parents and the school community.
Bertonazzi emphasized that selecting one recipient should not diminish the accomplishments of the other nominees.
"They are all wonderful teachers and winners in my book," Bertonazzi said.
Superintendent Craig Consigli said the award has become a highlight of the district's opening-day program and gives employees across Milford's schools an opportunity to be recognized.
"It's something that I think our staff rallies around," Consigli said. "I know that our staff feels very much appreciated to be recognized in this way."
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