Teacher of the Year

Denise Scialabba
2025-2026 Cheshire Teacher of the Year

Cheshire Public Schools is proud to announce Denise Scialabba, kindergarten teacher at Highland Elementary School, as the 2025 Cheshire Teacher of the Year.

The Superintendent of Schools praised Scialabba as a model educator whose work is rooted in genuine care and meaningful connections with students and families.  “Human connection is the foundation of great teaching, and nobody does that better than Denise Scialabba,” the Superintendent noted. “She is the embodiment of exemplary practice and character, and the commitment, grace, and humility she brings to her work serve as an inspiration to our entire school community.”

Mrs. Scialabba began her career in Cheshire in 1993 and after pausing to raise her children, returned full-time in 2016. Since 2018, she has been a beloved member of the kindergarten team at Highland Elementary School, where her warmth, professionalism, and quiet leadership have shaped generations of students.

Parent nominations for the award were filled with heartfelt stories of her influence. One family, whose three children all had the privilege of being in her class, described the experience as “the best gift ever.” They shared that Scialabba is not only a trusted teacher but also a role model and lifelong mentor. She remembers birthdays, offers support during difficult moments, celebrates children’s achievements, and creates a classroom environment where every student feels safe, seen, and valued.

Her connections run deep. When their daughter received the Superintendent’s Award as a sixth grader, she chose Mrs. Scialabba to stand beside her. This honor speaks to the lasting relationships she builds.

Other nominators, including both parents and colleagues, highlighted her extraordinary ability to connect with families and truly see the whole child. Her communication extends beyond classroom updates and reflects her unwavering dedication to each student’s academic and emotional well-being.

“Denise does not just teach. She inspires. She does not just build classrooms. She builds relationships that endure. She does not just do the job. She elevates the profession,” the Superintendent added.

Cheshire Public Schools is honored to recognize Denise Scialabba as the 2025 Cheshire Teacher of the Year and celebrates her outstanding contributions to teaching and learning.

Christine DiOrio
2024-2025 Cheshire Teacher of the Year

The Cheshire School District is proud to announce that Christine DiOrio has been named the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year. This esteemed recognition honors her exceptional dedication, innovative teaching methods, and profound impact on both her students and the broader educational community.

Christine DiOrio, who has been a valued member of the Cheshire teaching staff for 16 years and previously taught in Bridgeport for seven years, specializes in grades 1, 2, and 5. Her remarkable career reflects a deep commitment to elementary education and a continuous pursuit of excellence.

Recent acclaim for Ms. DiOrio underscores her significant influence. A parent expressed their enthusiasm, stating, “We love her! My daughter had her twice, and she was just the best teacher our child ever had. I am so happy.” Such testimonials highlight her dedication to creating a nurturing and effective learning environment.

In addition to her classroom achievements, Christine DiOrio has contributed to the educational community through her roles as a building representative for the Cheshire Education Association and a curriculum writer for English Language Arts. Her ability to listen and communicate effectively has been a significant asset in these roles.

Christine DiOrio is also known for her innovative approach to teaching. She is passionate about using data to inform her instructional practices and embraces action research to continually enhance the quality of her teaching. Her commitment to mentoring new teachers further exemplifies her dedication to fostering a collaborative and supportive educational environment.

At the core of Ms. DiOrio’s educational philosophy is the belief that understanding students and their families is essential for building trust, reducing stress, and improving learning outcomes. This personalized approach has not only enriched her students’ educational experiences but also set a high standard for excellence in teaching.

Katherine Zukis
2023-2024 Cheshire Teacher of the Year

Cheshire Public Schools is excited to honor Katherine Zukis as the 2023-2024 Cheshire Public Schools Teacher of the Year!  Katherine is a First Grade teacher at Norton School. Katherine began her teaching career in New Britain at Diloreto Elementary School as a long term substitute and joined the Cheshire team in 2009 working first at Highland and then at Norton School where she has spent the past thirteen years.

Colleagues who have had the pleasure of encountering Ms. Zukis’ teaching know the warmth that she exudes and the way she makes each and every child feel special. Her colleagues and supervisors recognize how talented she is in growing her students. Her first graders are able to consistently meet their academic goals as a result of the caring, accepting environment she creates that enables all students to take academic risks.

Katherine personifies calm, grace and poise. She welcomes every child to her classroom in the same way that she would want her own children to be received; appreciated for who they are as individuals and called upon to reach their very best potential. Ms Zukis’ teaching exemplifies the interconnectedness of social emotional learning and complex thinking.

Katherine serves on a number of committees including the new schools working group. She is an intervention team leader, district grade level representative and has been a presenter on Responsive Classroom practices within our district sharing her talents with other educators. She also serves as a mentor teacher working with college student interns who are studying to become teachers.

In addition to her work as a teacher, Katherine is a wife and mother to her two children Harper and Ford. In her spare time, Katherine volunteers at her children’s school serving as co-chair of the fundraising committee, coordinator of family-school events and maintains the garden in front of their school.

Katherine stated in her acceptance speech during convocation that how we make children feel, matters. She shared that it is her truest belief that the only way forward in our society is through education. She spoke to the impact an excellent teacher can have. Katherine Zukis is a gifted educator who is not only talented but humble and articulate. Katherine will represent Cheshire’s education community with a grace that will shine a positive light on the profession and make us all proud to be a part of this calling.