Kiana Foster-Mauro, a fourth-grade teacher at Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School in New London, has been honored as the 2024 Connecticut Teacher of the Year. This prestigious accolade recognizes her outstanding contributions to education and her commitment to empowering students. Foster-Mauro succeeds Carolyn Kielma, a science teacher at Bristol Eastern High School in Bristol, who held the title in 2023.
Governor Lamont, Commissioner Russell-Tucker, and other officials surprised Foster-Mauro with the news during a visit to her classroom. The announcement was met with joy and celebration from her students, colleagues and family.
Foster-Mauro expressed her gratitude for being selected, stating, “To be selected for this role for our profession, for our students, is special.”
Foster-Mauro, a black biracial educator, holds a Bachelor of Science in education with minors in history and human rights and a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from the University of Connecticut (UConn). At UConn, she served on the executive board of Leadership in Diversity, a student-led organization dedicated to diversifying education.
Governor Ned Lamont praised Foster-Mauro’s dedication, saying, “We are grateful to have a hardworking educator like Ms. Foster-Mauro teaching in our public schools. She embodies the qualities needed to prepare students for success throughout their lives.”
Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker highlighted Foster-Mauro’s impact on her students, stating, “Kiana empowers her students through culturally-sustaining learning and recognizes the importance of diverse representation and practices in education.”
Foster-Mauro’s journey to this achievement involved a rigorous selection process, where she stood out among many talented educators. Her commitment to diversity in education and her belief in the transformative power of teaching were evident throughout the process.
The Connecticut top educator’s passion for teaching extends beyond the classroom. She is a lifelong learner and an active member of the educational community, participating in professional development and advocacy initiatives.
As the 2024 Connecticut Teacher of the Year, Kiana Foster-Mauro continues to inspire excellence in education. Her dedication to her students and her innovative approach to teaching make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.
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