Coventry Public Schools is proud to announce that the Coventry 2026 Teacher of the Year is Capt. Nathan Hale School (CNH) Reading Specialist Christina Ziegler.
Ms. Ziegler was one of five finalists selected for this honor. Principals were invited to submit application packets for staff members they believe met the criteria for this recognition. A district-wide committee was formed, which included a Board of Education member, parents, students, and staff. This committee scored the applications and interviewed each candidate. Based on the scores of the interviews and applications, Ms. Ziegler was selected as Coventry’s Teacher of the Year for 2026. She has also submitted her application for Connecticut’s Teacher of the Year.
CNH Principal, Ross Sward shared, “Christina’s responsibilities as the Reading Specialist at CNH are critical to our success in moving students forward in the learning process. Her knowledge of best practices for literacy instruction is deep, yet she continually seeks opportunities to learn and grow. Christina curates a classroom environment that is welcoming, rich in visual aids, and a space that students willingly seek out during the day. She works diligently to foster positive relationships with students, rooted in a growth mindset.”
Other candidates included:
- Alicia LeBorious, Hale Early Education Center Teacher
- Erin Hazzard, Coventry Grammar School Grade 1 Teacher
- Christina Ouellette, G.H. Robertson School Grade 3 Teacher
- Hannah Cole, Coventry High School Music & Band Teacher
Each of the five participants received recognition at Convocation held on Monday, August 25. Additionally, Ms. Ziegler was honored at the Board of Education meeting held on August 28.
This information was provided by Dr. David J. Petrone, Superintendent of Schools. For further information, please contact his office at 860-742-7317 x2.