NEW LONDON, Conn. — A fourth-grade Nathan Hale Arts Magnet School teacher in New London was named Connecticut's 2024 Teacher of the Year, Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker announced on Tuesday.
Kiana Foster-Mauro was given the news in the morning during a surprise visit to her classroom. This is the state's highest honor in recognition of extraordinary teachers.
“We are grateful to have a hardworking educator like Ms. Foster-Mauro teaching in our public schools,” said Lamont in a statement. “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.”
In a statement, Foster-Mauro was described as a lifelong learner who is committed to empowering her students.
"As a Black, biracial woman, Foster-Mauro understands the importance of diversity in education. She believes teaching is a radical act that impacts minds and hearts, designing lessons that empower and tackle critical and relevant topics," Lamont's office said.
Foster-Mauro has presented at conferences, nationally and locally. She has been a member of the National Association for Multicultural Education since 2018 and was recently accepted to present on facilitating critical conversations around current events, identity, human rights, and mental health.
“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,” said Russell-Tucker in a statement. “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 has 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. At UConn, she served on the executive board of Leadership in Diversity, a student-led organization dedicated to diversifying education.
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