SPS Congratulates 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year Cohort and Spotlight on Teaching Honorees
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Stamford Public Schools (SPS) is pleased to announce the 2025-26 Teacher of the Year (TOY) Cohort and Spotlight on Teaching Honorees. These exceptional educators were selected by a committee of current SPS teachers who evaluated all nominees as peers based on the following criteria: Outstanding Teaching, Exceptional Student Support, Exemplary Community Involvement, and Positive Influence on School Culture.
The committee selected Westover Magnet School Special Education Teacher George Rigakos as the 2025-2026 Stamford Public Schools Teacher of the Year. “Stamford is a community,” Rigakos explained in his award application. “My philosophy is to cultivate that community through teaching."
“The selection of Mr. Rigakos as Teacher of the Year speaks volumes about the respect and admiration he has earned from his peers within the Stamford Public Schools community,” explained Dr. Tamu Lucero, Superintendent of Schools. “His commitment to fostering growth, celebrating unique abilities, and creating inclusive learning environments has touched the lives of countless students. This award underscores the profound difference one individual's commitment can make in the lives of our students.”
“Mr. Rigakos is an outstanding educator whose impact resonates throughout our entire school community,” explained Westover Principal Lisa Saba-Price. “He builds genuine connections with students, staff, and families alike, and because of that, his influence is felt everywhere. I couldn’t be prouder to have George as a part of our Westover Community."
In addition to Rigakos, the Teacher of the Year and Spotlight Award Program Committee selected the following educators for the SPS Teacher of the Year Cohort:
- Kimberly Balch, 3rd Grade Classroom Teacher (Stillmeadow)
- Gina Figliuzz, Social Studies Lead Teacher (STEPS Program)
- Leah Schwartz, 8th Grade English Language Arts Teacher (Cloonan)
- Danielle Weber, Project Lead the Way BioMed Teacher (AITE)
The SPS program mirrors the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council Program. Candidates from across the district’s PreK-12 schools and alternative education programs were nominated by their peers, and nominees were required to submit a biography, a statement of teaching philosophy, and essays addressing issues of educational process and policy. Candidates with the most compelling application materials were selected for in-person interviews. The strongest candidates coming out of the in-person interview phase were asked to submit a video highlighting classroom practice, classroom management, effective instruction, student engagement and that special magic that happens when kids learn.
Recognizing the diverse talent and dedication within Stamford Public Schools, the Teacher of the Year Committee also announced 34 recipients of the Spotlight on Teaching Award. Honoring both individual teachers and teacher teams, the Spotlight on Teaching Award recognizes contributions that significantly enhance the educational experience for students. The 2025-26 Spotlight on Teaching Award winners are:
| Cynthia Aguilar, STEPS Program^ | Christopher Mattera, Newfield* |
| Francisco Ahumada, Westhill | Austin Medernach, Cloonan |
| Marcella Barrios, Rogers International | Nicole Morse, Westhill |
| Kristen Bascone, Newfield* | Cindy Newman, Cloonan |
| Katherine Chambers, Newfield* | Ashley M. Novak, Roxbury |
| Bonnie Costanzo, Stillmeadow | Jessica Ohanesian, Newfield* |
| Susan D’Agostino, Toquam | Lauren Palmer, Turn of River |
| Danielle Delbridge, Rippowam | Karyn Richman, Newfield* |
| Mathew DiGiovanna, Westhill | Victoria Rosado, Rogers International |
| Jim Fallon, Scofield | Brianna Rusch, Newfield* |
| Jennifer Fasano, STEPS Program^ | Jaime Russo, Cloonan |
| Gina Figliuzzi, STEPS Program^ | Sandra Schwoerer, Scofield and Anchor |
| Eric Garcia, Cloonan | Karley Smith, Newfield* |
| Jesse Glaude, Westhill | Laurie Svezia, STEPS Program^ |
| Olivia Hagopian, Turn of River | Jill Tomas, Strawberry Hill |
| Kate Keeler, Stamford High | Lesely Ulloa, Northeast |
| Sarah Krikorian, Rogers International | Ana Paola Warner, Stamford High |
| Nancy Stanton, Hart Elementary School |
^ Team Award: STEPS Program at Stamford Boys & Girls Club
* Team Award: Newfield Elementary / Grade 3
The 2025-26 SPS Teacher of the Year Cohort and Spotlight on Teaching Winners will be honored at A Celebration of Teaching & Learning on Thursday, May 8 from 5 to 7 pm at The Village in Stamford.
As SPS Teacher of the Year, Rigakos will be the district’s nominee for 2026 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, a program sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Education in partnership with the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council. The 2026 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, three finalists, and all district-level TOY winners will be recognized at an event in Hartford in December 2025.
L-R: Jon Ringle, Stamford High School; Donna Kaiser, Stamford High School; Vincent Urbanowski, AITE; George Rigakos, Westover (2025-2026 Teacher of the Year); Elba Sims, Rippowam Middle School (Teacher of The Year Committee Chair); Carolyn Tschinkel, Stillmeadow (2024-2025 Teacher of the Year); Donna Bolcer, AITE; and Peter Kinahan, Rogers International School.
L-R: Keriann Maxelix, Westover Assistant Principal; Lisa Saba-Price, Westover Principal; George Rigakos (2025-2026 Teacher of the Year); and Kathleen Quaglino, Westover Assistant Principal.
George Rigakos (2025-2026 Teacher of the Year) working with an unnamed student in his classroom at Westover Magnet School.