Strawberry Hill Teacher Named a National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award Winne

Stamford Public Schools (SPS) is proud to announce that Swapnila Pawar, a 7th grade science teacher at Strawberry Hill School, has been named one of 10 recipients of the Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award for New Teachers by the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA).

The Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award for New Teachers recognizes K-12 teachers in their first five years of teaching for their outstanding work and achievement in science education. Dr.  Pawar recently attended the NSTA National Conference on Science Education in Anaheim, California, participating in a variety of workshops and presentations for new science teachers. Pawar was honored alongside fellow honorees during a special Teacher Awards event on Friday evening, April 17. 

“Pawar inspires every student to engage with science in a meaningful way,” explained Strawberry Hill Principal Frank Rodriguez. “Reflecting the heart of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme, she teaches her students through curiosity and thoughtful questioning; helping her students to make connections between classroom learning and real world applications.”

Pawar, a graduate of Sacred Heart University, began teaching at SPS in 2022.  She is a Stamford resident and in her spare time, she likes to garden, play pickleball and travel.

“Science has the power to open doors—to new ideas, new possibilities, and new futures,” said NSTA President Beverly DeVore-Wedding, Ph.D. “The recipients of the 2026 NSTA Awards represent the very best of our profession through their commitment to excellence, creativity, and innovation in teaching and learning.”