By Tiffany Williams –
In Connecticut, each year, hundreds of teachers statewide go through a rigorous selection process to become Teacher of the Year. The process includes candidate applications, interviews, and school site visits, which include focus groups with faculty, parents, administration, and students.
The Teacher of the Year Council, a group composed of former recipients of the honor and representatives from educational organizations, businesses, and the community, makes the difficult decision.
In October, Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker announced that Kiana Foster-Mauro, a fourth-grade teacher at Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School in New London, was selected as Connecticut’s 2024 Teacher of the Year.
The recognition of Teacher of the Year is the state’s highest honor celebrating extraordinary teachers, and Kiana Foster-Mauro will now succeed onnecticut’s 2023 Teacher of the Year, Carolyn Kielma, a science teacher at Bristol Eastern High School in Bristol.
On October 24, Governor Lamont, Commissioner Russell-Tucker, and other state and local officials delivered the news to Foster-Mauro during a surprise visit to her classroom, which was followed by a schoolwide assembly and celebration with her students, fellow educators, and family.
“We are grateful to have a hardworking educator like Ms. Foster-Mauro teaching in our public schools,” Governor Lamont said. “We’ve heard so many impressive stories about her from her colleagues and students at Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School. She embodies the qualities needed to prepare students for success throughout their lives. It was an honor to visit her in her classroom today to deliver this great news. Connecticut has the best public school teachers in the nation and they should be recognized and celebrated.”
As a Black, biracial woman, Foster-Mauro is a lifelong learner who is committed to empowering her students. Foster-Mauro understands the importance of diversity in education and believes teaching is a radical act that impacts minds and hearts, designing lessons that empower and tackle critical and relevant topics.
“Teachers are the heartbeat of our education system, and it is a privilege to acknowledge Kiana Foster-Mauro as Connecticut’s 2024 Teacher of the Year,” Commissioner Russell-Tucker said. “Kiana empowers her students through culturally-sustaining learning and recognizes the importance of diverse representation and practices in education. We are thankful for all she does to uplift and recognize the infinite possibilities of all students. Congratulations to Kiana for achieving the state’s highest recognition honoring extraordinary teachers.”
Foster-Mauro is a member of the National Association for Multicultural Education since and recently was accepted to present on facilitating critical conversations around current events, identity, human rights, and mental health. She graduated from the University of Connecticut with a Bachelor of Science in education with minors in history and human rights. But her education doesn’t stop there. Foster-Mauro also earned a Master of Arts in curriculum and instruction from the University of Connecticut, and at UConn, she served on the executive board of Leadership in Diversity, a student-led organization dedicated to diversifying education.
“Kiana has shown exceptional qualities, such as intentional planning, unwavering responsibility, and a genuine commitment to the craft of teaching,” Jason Foster, principal of Nathan Hale Arts Magnet Elementary School, said. “Her passion and dedication to our students exemplify the highest standards of education. She is a critical part of our school community, and we are proud to honor this achievement.”