Governor’s Recognition Award

These eight individuals stand out as top staff members in their schools based on their ability to inspire students of all backgrounds; foster a strong student learning environment, demonstrate leadership in educational activities; and are dedicated to the school and community. These are not just teachers but also our education service professionals who work closely with our children.

• Jessica Allen a teacher from Quitman Elementary
• Glenda Capers a teacher from BRICK Avon
• Josephine Cooper – a Social Worker from Quitman
• Lucinda Lopez – a teacher from First Avenue
• Melissa Milara (Ramirez) a teacher from Miller Street
• Alberta Shiavo a teacher from John F. Kennedy school
• Deborah Sims a Behavioral Specialist from John F. Kennedy school
• Hilda Soto-Yao a teacher from New Jersey Regional Day

School Teacher of the Year Award

These teachers were nominated as the top teacher in their school based on their individual accomplishments and contributions in the classroom as well as for their leadership. Not only do these teachers consistently exhibit preparedness and instructional excellence, but they also take on formal and informal mentoring and leadership roles to broadly improve the quality of education at their school.

• Marisa Alves, from Lafayette Street School
• Andrea Arguello from South Street
• Tammy Chavez from Ann Street
• Nicole Coppola from Park Elementary
• Deirdre Corley from Hawthorne Avenue
• Whitney Farrand from Mount Vernon
• Lisa Fischman from Harriet Tubman
• Angelisa Guilford from Lincoln Elementary
• Michelle Gutierrez from Abington Avenue
• Stacy Guzman from McKinley
• Stephanie Hairston from Chancellor
• Nicole Harris from Hawkins Street
• Sadiqua Harvard from George Washington Carver
• Natasha Javed from Camden Street School
• Celia Laricchia from East Side High
• Cristano Liborio from Science Park High
• Matthew Lichten from Ridge Street
• Susan Lopes Oliveira from Wilson Avenue
• Melissa McSweeney from Elliott Street
• Jessica Morais from Oliver Street
• Kariema Muhammad from Belmont Runyon
• Sean Nally from Barringer Arts and Humanities
• Teresa Oliveira from BRICK Avon
• Marcela Palma from Miller Street
• Anany Rodriguez from Luis Munoz Marin
• Kimberly Rubenstein from Rafael Hernandez

Special congratulations to District Teacher of the Year recipient, Edith Battle. She is a teacher who exemplifies the highest level of excellence and is a true example for all other teachers in the district.