FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

May 24, 2022

The Rochester City School District is proud to recognize eight employees as Educators of the Year. The second annual Educator of the Year awards ceremony will be held virtually on Thursday, May 26, 2022, beginning at 4:00 pm and can be viewed live on the District’s Facebook and YouTube pages.

The Office of Human Capital began this initiative last year as a way to recognize excellence within the District. The initiative honors staff members who exceed expectations and provide meaningful and supportive teaching and learning experiences for RCSD students. Nominations are advanced by their peers, students, parents, community members, and supervisors. A selection committee then reviews nominees and the supporting materials provided by each candidate.

The following individuals are being recognized in the following categories:

Building Leader Educator of the Year

Nakia Burrows, Principal, Northeast College Preparatory High School

Secondary Educator of the Year

Dinorah Morales-Cruz, Bilingual Teacher, Monroe Upper School

Elementary Educator of the Year 

Joan Cowles, Elementary Teacher,

John Walton Spencer School No. 16

Bilingual Educator of the Year

Omayra Mathews, Bilingual Teacher,

Pinnacle School No. 35

Special Subject Educator of the Year

Rachel Dobbs, Music Teacher,

George Mather Forbes School No. 4

Central Office Educator of the Year 

Christopher R. Smith, Teacher on Assignment/RocRestorative Team

Service Provider Educator of the Year 

Michelle Cavallaro,

Speech and Hearing Teacher

Support Staff Educator of the Year

Mercedes Ulaszewski,

Senior Graphic Artist

Christopher R. Smith will now be eligible to enter into the New York State competition for Educator of the Year. Please join us in congratulating all of these employees.

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