RCSD recognizes 8 educators of the year

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — The Rochester City School District Tuesday recognized eight teachers and staff members as educators of the year.

They’re being honored for exceeding expectations in providing meaningful learning experiences for city school students.

These teachers and staff members were nominated by students, parents, community members, and supervisors:

• Nakia Burrows, Principal of Northeast College Preparatory High School — Building Leader Educator of the Year
• Dinorah Morales-Cruz, a Bilingual Teacher at Monroe Upper School — Secondary Educator of the Year
• Joan Cowles, an Elementary Teacher at John Walton Spencer School No. 16 — Elementary Educator of the Year
• Omayra Mathews, a Bilingual Teacher at Pinnacle School No. 35 — Bilingual Educator of the Year
• Rachel Dobbs, a Music Teacher at George Mather Forbes School No. 4 — Special Subject Educator of the Year
• Christopher R. Smith, a Teacher on Assignment and member of the RocRestorative Team — Central Office Educator of the Year
• Michelle Cavallaro, a Speech and Hearing Teacher — Service Provider Educator of the Year
• Mercedes Ulaszewski, a Senior Graphic Artist — Support Staff Educator of the Year

Smith is now eligible to enter into the New York State competition for Educator of the Year.

The second annual award ceremony will be held virtually this Thursday at 4 p.m. It will be streamed live on the district’s Facebook and YouTube pages.