EAST PROVIDENCE — Riverside Middle School's Kristyn-Anne Pinheiro was chosen not only as her building's instructor of the year but as the 2023 East Providence School District Teacher of the Year.

The announcement of Pinheiro's award as well as the rest of the individual building teachers of the year was made during a brief ceremony before the start of the May 9 meeting of the School Committee at East Providence High School and later at the gathering by Superintendent Dr. Sandra Forand during her monthly report to the body.

The superintendent said Pinheiro, a Multilingual Learner (MLL) educator, will be the city's representative at the Rhode Island Department of Education's annual Waterfire event this summer in Providence, where the state's Teacher of the Year will be named.

Of Pinheiro and all the 2023 district-wide instructors of the year, Forand said, "They are an amazing group of people, an amazing group of teachers. We're very proud of all of them."

Pinheiro nomination
In nominating Pinheiro, the RMS administration wrote, "It is evident in her every day interactions with her colleagues and students that she is a driven, organized individual. KAP (Kristyn-Anne Pinheiro) has an energy like no other, working all hours of the day and night to make sure that her students are met with an equitable playing field. As you walk down the halls of RMS, you will often hear Ms. Pinheiro’s voice as she is assisting all students in every class that she co-teaches."

As well, they noted, "Kristyn-Anne has the ability to multitask unlike no other," that she "is also recognized as a true teacher leader at RMS" and that she "leads the way through her constant communication with families, often using different tech tools to communicate effectively. She makes everyone feel comfortable and welcome."

One of her other significant achievements was developing the “Giving Closet” at RMS. The “closet” provides clothing for students and their families. Teachers and families are able to come in and take anything they may need.

More on Pinheiro, "She works tirelessly to improve her students grasp of the English language . She has students with many different language and cultural backgrounds and ensures that they are always seen as valued members of our Viking community."

In closing, they wrote, "Kristyn-Anne is truly a remarkable person that so many of us admire...RMS is truly blessed to have you as our 2023 Teacher of the Year."

More honorees
The Martin Middle School 2023 Teacher of the Year is Special Education instructor Jodie Audet. It was said that "alongside her teaching partners, Mrs. Audet creates an inspiring learning environment where every student thrives" and that she "designs her classrooms to create a highly effective atmosphere for student learning, effort and achievement."

Keith Anderson is the East Providence High School Teacher of the Year. He's been a History instructor for 15 years. Anderson was noted as being "extremely creative and meticulous with his lesson design. He identifies his students’ needs and tailors his instruction to engage and challenge his students.

At Myron J. Francis Elementary, third grade instructor Kimberly Sherman was selected as its Teacher of the Year. Her colleagues recognize Sherman "as someone who epitomizes the criteria and honor associated with the title of Teacher of the Year! She consistently sets high, realistic expectations for all of her students. Mrs. Sherman has an engaging classroom presence and always instills in her students a love of learning. Her classroom provides a supportive and collaborative environment for students to shine."

The Hennessey Elementary Teacher of the Year for 2023 is Special Educator Rebekah Vieira. Vieira is said to make "each student feel important and takes the time to get to know them in order to tailor her instruction to peak their interests and create meaningful learning opportunities. Her lessons are effectively planned and artfully differentiated to ensure that all students are successful in meeting the goals of the lesson."

Grade 4 mentor Regina Jones was selected as the Kent Heights Elementary Teacher of the Year 2023. Jones was recognized for devoting the "past 21 years at KHS with knowledge, compassion, patience, expertise and love to the students, families, faculty, staff, and community of Kent Heights School as well as the East Providence Community."

Orlo Avenue Elementary chose Nicole Cram as its 2023 Teacher of the Year. The building's Math Curriculum Leader is said to put "student learning at the forefront. She considers the individual needs of students and always keeps the end goal in mind...She takes initiative, follows through, and can be found doing almost anything at any given time. Her passion is mathematics and this is evident in the way she instructs her students."

The Silver Spring Elementary 2023 Teacher of the Year is Abigail Jaffa. A K-2, Special Education teacher Jaffa was described "as being caring, loving, dedicated, passionate, creative, compassionate, inclusive, collaborative, enthusiastic, and a leader. She always gives 100% to the students in her class in a creative, inspiring and fun way."

Kindergarten instructor Jalyn Alves is Waddington Elementary’s 2023 Teacher of the Year. Alves is said to go "above and beyond to better herself and her community as an educator. The most commonly used words to describe her by families and colleagues are dedicated, caring, passionate, creative and energetic."

Whiteknact Elementary chose Music instructor Raffi Rachdouni as its 2023 Teacher of the Year. Rachdouni is described by colleagues and Whiteknact families "as fun, engaging, and collaborative. Raffi has an enthusiastic attitude and encouraging ways that engage his students in music. He makes learning fun."

And finally, Kristen Johnson was named as the East Providence Pre-Kindergarten program Teacher of the Year for 2023. Johnson, it was noted, "has always been hardworking, dedicated, dependable, flexible, patient, and caring in her support of children. She is honest, straight forward, and demonstrates follow through in implementing new procedures. She is a born leader and team player in every sense of the word."