Greenwich, CT, June 7, 2024 – Greenwich Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Toni Jones announced today that New Lebanon School’s Ms. Ana Maria Fals is GPS’ selection for Connecticut State Department of Education’s 2025 Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program. She will be recognized at the Board of Education’s regularly scheduled business meeting on Thursday, June 13 for this honor.
“Ms. Ana Maria Fals is a fantastic representative of the more than 900 amazing hard-working certified teachers at Greenwich Public Schools,” Dr. Jones said. “I had the honor of visiting her third grade classroom at New Lebanon School recently to witness first-hand a master teacher at work. Her students were engaged from start to finish, wasting not one minute, with smooth transitions, connecting to prior learning, introducing new learning, and students actively engaged at their level. It was magnificent watching her monitor and adjust for all learners, and when needed, seamlessly switching between Spanish and English. It was absolutely wonderful!”
“It is a great honor to accept this award on behalf of all the educators of Greenwich Public Schools,” Ms. Fals said. “I owe a debt of gratitude to my current and former administrators, colleagues, and all my students and their families. I have always believed that education is the great equalizer. It transforms lives, breaks down barriers, and creates opportunities. I look forward to continuing to invest in our students, nurture their potential, and provide them with the tools they need to succeed.”
According to the Connecticut State Department of Education, the Teacher of the Year Program recognizes and honors teacher excellence. It does not attempt to select the “best” teacher; rather, to identify, from among many outstanding teachers of the year, one teacher to serve as a visible and vocal representative of what is best in the profession. The program celebrates excellence in teaching by recognizing teachers who have inspired a love for learning in their students and who have distinguished themselves in the profession.
"The entire New Lebanon staff is thrilled that Ms. Ana Maria Fals has been selected as this year's Greenwich representative for the Connecticut Teacher of the Year,” New Lebanon Principal Dr. Daniel Russo said. “She is a model for her peers in the school and across the district. Her constant professionalism, care for her students, and unmatched instructional skills have touched many lives in the Byram community and we are excited to congratulate her.”
Ms. Fals has been with GPS since 2006, primarily at New Lebanon teaching in the second grade and currently, in third grade, and was also a seventh grade Special Education teacher at Western Middle School. She has committed herself to improving the school culture and climate in the PBIS and Safe School Climate teams for many years and has shared her creativity by planning and executing IB Curriculum Nights, Curriculum Carnivals, Bridging to K program events, and a variety of SBA English Language Arts preparation workshops and experiences.
Ms. Fals received her bachelor’s degree in Biology from New Jersey City University, a master’s in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from New York University. She is an Orton-Gillingham and Wilson certified teacher who has taught in bilingual, general education, and special education settings.
For more information about the CT Teacher of the Year Program, including its history, purpose, benefits, eligibility requirements, selection process, and the duties of the Connecticut Teacher of the Year, visit the CSDE website.