2025-2026 Teacher Of The Year Announced By Stamford Public Schools

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford Public Schools (SPS) recently announced the 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year (TOY) Cohort and Spotlight on Teaching Honorees.

The 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 SPS Superintendent Dr. Tamu Lucero in a prepared statement. "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."

Westover Principal Lisa Saba-Price called Rigakos "an outstanding educator whose impact resonates throughout our entire school community."

"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," Saba-Price added.

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 and Spotlight Award Program 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^
• Francisco Ahumada, Westhill
• Marcella Barrios, Rogers International
• Kristen Bascone, Newfield
• Katherine Chambers, Newfield*
• Bonnie Costanzo, Stillmeadow
• Susan D’Agostino, Toquam
• Danielle Delbridge, Rippowam
• Mathew DiGiovanna, Westhill
• Jim Fallon, Scofield
• Jennifer Fasano, STEPS Program^
• Gina Figliuzzi, STEPS Program^
• Eric Garcia, Cloonan
• Jesse Glaude, Westhill
• Olivia Hagopian, Turn of River
• Kate Keeler, Stamford High
• Sarah Krikorian, Rogers International
• Christopher Mattera, Newfield*
• Austin Medernach, Cloonan
• Nicole Morse, Westhill
• Cindy Newman, Cloonan
• Ashley M. Novak, Roxbury
• Jessica Ohanesian, Newfield*
• Lauren Palmer, Turn of River
• Karyn Richman, Newfield*
• Victoria Rosado, Rogers International
• Brianna Rusch, Newfield*
• Jaime Russo, Cloonan
• Sandra Schwoerer, Scofield and Anchor
• Karley Smith, Newfield*
• Laurie Svezia, STEPS Program^
• Jill Tomas, Strawberry Hill
• Lesely Ulloa, Northeast
• Ana Paola Warner, Stamford High

^ Team Award: STEPS Program at Stamford Boys & Girls Club
* Team Award: Newfield Elementary / Grade 3

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.