SPS Congratulates 2025-2026 Para-educator of the Year Cohort
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Stamford Public Schools (SPS) is pleased to announce the 2025-26 Paraeducator of the Year (POY) Cohort. The winners were selected from a collection of 81 nominations from teachers, paraeducators and administrators across the district. This year’s winner is Ronnie Griggs, Special Education Paraeducator at Stillmeadow Elementary School.
Griggs has served SPS students and families as a special education paraeducator for many years, first at WHS from 2002-2014, and returned to the district in 2017 to support students at Stillmeadow. Griggs was nominated by Gina Inzitari, First Grade Teacher, Stillmeadow Elementary who praised Griggs’ commitment to all students. "His collaborative approach with me as the classroom teacher allows us to truly meet each student’s individual needs and ensure that students are actively engaged in learning centers that are aligned with their academic levels and goals." Explained Ms. Inzitari.
“Mr. Griggs is an extraordinary Paraprofessional, committed to supporting the whole child.” Explained Kathleen Kelley, Principal at Stillmeadow. “He works tirelessly to support his students, and collaborates with all staff to ensure success for all! We are grateful for all he does for the Stillmeadow community.”
Griggs is recognized alongside the 1st and 2nd Runners Up:
- Laura Scicchitano, Toquam Magnet School
- Alexandra Velez, Rippowam Middle School
“Paraprofessionals play a vital support role in our schools,” explained Dr. Tamu Lucero, Superintendent of Schools. “Working under the supervision of certified teachers or other licensed professionals, our paraeducators are vital in ensuring that all students are immersed in a supportive and effective learning environment.”
The 2025-26 Paraeducator of the Year Cohort will be honored alongside the 2025-26 Teacher of the Year
Cohort and Spotlight on Teaching Winners at A Celebration of Teaching & Learning on Thursday, May 8 from 5 to 7 pm at The Village in Stamford.
The 2025 Paraeducator of the Year Steering Committee included Elyse Pastore (Para Union President), Debra Gibb (Para Union Vice President), Yves LaFleur, Human Resources Analyst, Colleen Curtin, Teacher, APPLES, Maritza Nunez, (2024-25 Paraeducator of the Year), Robert Biko, Assistant Principal, Rippowam, and Charmaine Tourse, Director of Talent Recruitment & Retention.
Paraeducator of the Year Steering Committee, L to R: Elyse Pastore, Para Union President, Yves LaFleur, Human Resources Analyst, Gina Inzitari, First Grade Teacher, Stillmeadow, Ron Griggs, Paraeducator of the Year, Maritza Nunez, 2024-25 Paraeducator of the Year, Robert Biko, Assistant Principal, Rippowam, Colleen Curtin, Teacher, APPLES, Kathleen Kelley, Principal, Stillmeadow.
Mr. Griggs (backrow right) pictured with Gina Inzitari, Stillmeadow, and Tamu Lucero, SPS Superintendent of Schools, pose with various students from Stillmeadow Elementary School.
Dr. Tamu Lucero, Superintendent of Schools poses with Mr. Griggs after his award was announced.