Shakira Perez, winner of the 2020 Teacher of the Year Award for Hartford Public Schools hopes the recognition gives students something to strive for; an example \u201cof what you can achieve with hard work and perseverance\u201d, she tells CTLatinoNews.com (CTLN). It\u2019s a feat that comes with additional meaning for her, \u201c…to be an Afro-Latina (and) Teacher of the Year means that my students can look in the mirror and say, \u201cIf Ms. Perez can do it, I can do it!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n
In the first-ever online event due to COVID-19 social distancing orders hosted by the district, the award was presented this month to Ms.Perez<\/strong><\/a>, an English teacher at Classical Magnet School, by Superintendent Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez and 2019 Teacher of the Year Narciso Moquete during the virtual ceremony. <\/p>\n\n\n The competition began with 37 teachers nominated by their schools to participate in this year\u2019s selection process. Each nominee underwent an intensive screening and interview process conducted by a Teacher of the Year Committee comprised of curriculum directors, Hartford Federation of Teachers officials, and previous award winners. <\/p>\n\n\n All nominees are tenured K-12 HPS teachers who exhibit exemplary teaching skills, show commitment to the belief that all children can learn, and are active in community and humanitarian affairs. <\/p>\n\n\n After its review, the committee selected three finalists, who were then asked to complete a series of written essay questions for the final evaluation <\/p>\n\n\n