Corrado is choice as Bristol Warren District Teacher of the Year

Hugh Cole Elementary co-worker Serbst is selective for support staff award

Posted 10/23/24

The Bristol Warren Regional School District recently honored Ann Corrado, a fifth grade instructor at the Hugh Cole Elementary School, with its Teacher of the Year award. Corrado becomes the …

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Corrado is choice as Bristol Warren District Teacher of the Year

Hugh Cole Elementary co-worker Serbst is selective for support staff award

Posted

The Bristol Warren Regional School District recently honored Ann Corrado, a fifth grade instructor at the Hugh Cole Elementary School, with its Teacher of the Year award. Corrado becomes the district's representative in the Rhode Island Department of Education's 2024-25 State Teacher of the Year competition.

Corrado, who has worked in the Bristol Warren Public Schools since 2011, earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and holds a master’s degree in elementary education from Lesley College. She began her tenure locally as a second and third grade teacher, then moved to fifth grade in 2014 where she remains. Corrado previously worked at Colt Andrews through the 2023-24 term.

In addition to Corrado's recognition, Maria Serbst was selected as the 2024-2025 District Support Professional of the Year. Serbst, who also work at Hugh Cole as a teacher assistant, has been with the district since 2011.

Both were recently recognized formally at a Bristol Warren School District Committee meeting in early September.

“Ms. Corrado is a terrific teacher, someone worthy of this recognition and she certainly reflects the qualities and commitment of so many of our teachers,” said BWRSD Superintendent Ana C. Riley.

Asked why she chose the profession, Corrado said, "This is an easy question. I teach because I love it. It’s the hardest job I’ve ever had, but it’s also the most rewarding."

Corrado said one of the most fulfilling aspects of her position is what she calls an "aha moment."

She explained, "This is when while teaching, I hear a student say 'ahhhh.' I’m always reflecting and changing my instruction to ensure each learning objective is met so hearing someone 'get it' is like winning the lottery."

Corrado received numerous compliments from the Cole community. One parent said, “She sees the potential in my child, where many have not, and is completely dedicated to helping her unlock and achieve that,” said one parent." Another added, Corrado is someone whose “compassion and teaching excellence has made an incredible difference in my child's life this year.“

“I tell my parents the same thing I tell my students: Knowledge is power," Corrado said of her relationship with families of her pupils. "The first step to ensuring their children have the strength and stamina to succeed in the future is making sure they come to school every day. Attendance really does matter. There is no substitute for classroom instruction and the impact of a teacher. “

A peer described Corrado as a teacher who is “always willing to work with new instructional strategies, pilot new programs, and think outside the box when it comes to providing individualized pathways for her students to succeed.”

Improving the learning possibilities of her students is at the heart of what she aspires to achieve in the classroom.

"I love discovering their personalities and watching them grow over the course of the school year. And I love all of the little moments we share laughing and learning together. Most importantly, I love the moment I learn that something I said to them stuck," Corrado said. "One year a student gave me an index card at the end of the school year. On one side there was a note. On the other side in big bold letters she had written the words I had said to her at the beginning of the school year: 'Knowledge is Power.' That card sits prominently on my desk at home as a reminder of my influence on students.”

Corrado said she sees the potential in every pupil, both academically and as people. Those are some of the things that drive her each day and are an aspect of her profession that makes it fulfilling.

“Each student sitting in front of me has a story. Some days, the story is fun and exciting to share, while other days it’s much more challenging for the student. Taking the time to hear that story allows me to understand the struggles that child is trying to overcome," Corrado added. "And knowing this allows me to understand my students' needs, both emotionally and academically, so I can adjust my plans and interactions accordingly. This is something I work to do every day. Because as a teacher, I am doing so much more than teaching.”

As for Serbst was praised by colleagues and parents for her "patience, kindness, professionalism and knowledge" of early childhood education. Included in her recommendations for the award were superlatives like she's “enabled students to make positive gains both academically and socially!" and "She is like the 'child whisperer!'"

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