SPS Congratulates 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year, Paraeducator of the Year and Spotlight on Teaching Honorees
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Marcella Barrios from Rogers International Named Teacher of the Year and
Mery Lopez of Hart School Named Paraeducator of the Year
Stamford Public Schools (SPS) is pleased to announce the celebration of 42 inspiring professionals who are being recognized as part of the 2026-27 Teacher of the Year (TOY) Cohort, Paraeducator of the Year (POY) Finalists, and Spotlight on Teaching Honorees. Following a comprehensive district-wide selection process involving peer nominations, the Teacher of the Year and Spotlight Committee is proud to announce Marcella Barrios as the 2026-27 Teacher of the Year. Additionally, the district honors Mery Lopez of Hart School as the 2026-27 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,” explained Dr. Tamu Lucero, Superintendent of Schools. “Beyond the awards, this recognition celebrates the tangible, life-changing power of one person’s resolve to see our students succeed.”
2026-27 Teacher of the Year Cohort
The 2026-27 Teacher of the Year, Marcella Barrios, a mathematics teacher from Rogers International School is honored alongside the Teacher of the Year Finalist Cohort: Siobhan Kilcoyne Collins (Rogers International), Daniel Lauture (Stamford High School), Martha Mavridis (Turn of River), and Gladymarie Rivera (Westover School).
Barrios, an 8th grade teacher at Rogers International School, was selected for her hard work and dedication. “All students need to know they are capable of learning,” explained Barrios 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.”
“Mrs. Barrios exemplifies the grace of a sea turtle. Much like these creatures, she remains balanced and isn't swayed by the currents.” shared Ms. Cathy Cummings, principal of Rogers International School. “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. Her strength as a thinker allows her to approach every challenge with depth and wisdom. Rogers International School is fortunate to have an International Baccalaureate educator like Mrs. Barrios, who remains so remarkably grounded while helping her students reach new shores to become successful global citizens.”
As SPS Teacher of the Year, Barrios will be the district’s nominee for 2027 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, a program sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Education in partnership with the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council.
2026-27 Paraeducator of the Year Finalists
The 2026-27 Paraeducator of the Year, Mery Lopez, of Hart School is celebrated along with this year’s Paraeducator of the Year Finalists: Mary Kilibwa-Adams (Westover Magnet) and Gabrielle Cormier (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 Sandra Carlton, Principal Hart School. “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.” Explained Elyse Pastore, President, Paraeducators Union. “We are incredibly proud to have such an inspiring paraeducator representing our union.”
Paraeducators provide essential instructional and behavioral support to students while working under the direct supervision of certified teachers and licensed professionals. By implementing individualized interventions and facilitating small-group learning, they ensure classroom accessibility and foster an inclusive environment for diverse learners.
2026-27 Spotlight on Education Award Winners
In addition to the Teacher of the Year and Paraeducator of the Year cohorts, the Committee selected 26 individuals and teaching teams for their contributions to SPS Education. This year’s Spotlight on Education Awards will be presented to:
Individual Honorees:
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 Melchionne, 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:
Mary Peters, Cloonan Middle School
Efralim Diaz, Cloonan Middle School
Jose Rios Nino, Cloonan Middle School
Eliva Gertz, Cloonan Middle School
Peers nominated each candidate by providing comprehensive essays and evidence that highlight their commitment to instructional excellence and exceptional student support. These testimonials further underscore the nominees' dedicated community involvement and their significant, positive contributions to school culture.
The 2026-27 SPS Teacher of the Year Cohort, Paraeducator of the Year Finalists, and Spotlight on Teaching Winners will be honored at a Celebration of Teaching & Learning on Thursday, May 7 from 5 to 7 pm at The Village in Stamford.
L to R: Peter Kinahan, Rogers International School, Elba Sims, Rippowam Middle School, Carolyn Tschinkel, Stillmeadow (Spotlight Award Committee Chair), Dr. Tamu Lucero, Superintendent of Schools, Marcella Barrios (2026-2027 Teacher of the Year), Vincent Urbanowski, AITE, Donna Kaiser, Stamford High School, George Rigakos, Westover (2025-2026 Teacher of the Year), Donna Bolcer, AITE.
Teacher of the Year, Marcella Barrios (center), pictured with her students from Rogers International School.
L to R: Sara Paolini, Assistant Principal, Ronnie Griggs, 2025-26 Paraeducator of the Year, Mery Lopez (2026-27 Paraeducator of the Year), Tanvi Rishi, Teacher/Nominator, Elyse Pastore, Paraeducator Union President, Lisa Saba-Price, Interim Associate Superintendent for Elementary Schools, Dr. Tamu Lucero, Superintendent of Schools, Sandra Carlton, Principal.
Paraeducator of the Year, Mery Lopez (center), pictured with students from Hart School.
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