Teacher of the Year

Since 1987, the RCSD Teacher of the Year (TOY) is a coveted award given out each year by the Rye City School District. The TOY is nominated annually by their fellow teachers, administrators, and current and former parents and students via letters sent to the Superintendent of Schools in the spring of every school year. As per the Superintendent’s directive, a nominee should be considered “an exceptionally skilled and dedicated tenured teacher; be respected and admired by students, peers, parents, and the public; serve an active and useful role in the community as well as in the school; be poised, articulate, energetic, even-tempered; and possess superior ability to inspire students of all backgrounds and competencies to learn.”

A committee of administrators, former Teachers of the Year, and RTA (Rye Teachers Association) leaders reads the letters and determines who will be Teacher of the Year for the next school year. The awardee’s name is kept secret until the Superintendent notifies the winner the day before Closing Day. The winner is then announced at the Closing Day ceremony before an audience of their colleagues, school and district administrators, and staff. The TOY is also invited to give a speech to all the assembled teachers on Closing Day. 

Teachers of the Year personify the finest attributes of the teaching profession: dedication, commitment, and visible caring for their vocation, their students, and their colleagues. Those who know this year’s winner will agree that she fits that description to a tee. This year’s Teacher of the Year is Milton’s Becky Ward!

See what a few of the nominating letters said about her…

“Mrs. Ward is an exceptional educator who brings passion, dedication, and heart to everything she does.”

“Mrs. Ward’s impact reaches far beyond the curriculum. She teaches her students how to face challenges with courage, how to treat others with respect, and how to contribute positively to their community.”

“Mrs. Ward’s energy is contagious and her school spirit tremendous.”

“What stands out most, however, is Becky’s unwavering kindness. Becky treats every student and colleague with respect and warmth, creating a safe and welcoming atmosphere throughout the school.”

“In conclusion, Coach Ward is the best PE teacher in the history of PE teachers. She also ends the year with a bang on field day!!!:)”

Becky Ward is a physical education teacher at Milton School. She came to the Rye City School District in 2007. 

Including Becky Ward, there have been 45 Teachers of the Year (there were 6 years where 2 teachers were recognized). Many TOYs are still teaching in the RCSD: Tracey Orzo (2007-8), Peter Gouveia (2009-10), Daniel Brown (2010-11), Dina Farewell (2011-12), Karen Kozan (2013-14), Carrie Burke (2014-15), Sharon Straussberg (2014-15), Dayna Reist (2015-16), Carrie Hughes (2018-19), Patrizia Guzzo (2019-20), Kristen Warner (2019-20), Kerri Winderman (2021-22), Aleksey Vodyanitsky (2022-23), Nicole Bolnik (2022-23), Stephanie Lauro (2023-24), and Amy Carmen (2024-25).