2026 Distinguished Teachers Announced For Greenwich Public Schools

GREENWICH, CT — The Distinguished Teachers Awards Committee (DTAC) has named Greenwich Public Schools’ 2026 Distinguished Teachers.

Nominations for GPS Distinguished Teachers are submitted by students, parents, and colleagues in early March each year.

Each member of the DTAC reviews every nomination packet. At an annual meeting in April, DTAC members submit their ballots anonymously and without discussion, according to the school district.

The ballots are tallied, and the six teachers with the most votes are selected to receive the Distinguished Teacher Award. The DTAC includes no more than 20 members, with representatives from the Board of Education, Greenwich Education Association, Greenwich Organization of School Administrators, PTA Council, members of community organizations, parents, and many previously named Greenwich Distinguished Teachers.

Here are the 2026 Distinguished Teachers

• Laura Burdick, Greenwich High School, English
• PJ Connolly, North Street School, first grade
• John Ehlinger, Julian Curtiss School, Advanced Learning Program
• Cody Ludvinsky, Western Middle School, science
• Michelle O’Brien, Parkway, third grade
• Sarra Roth, Riverside School, art

"There are superheroes amongst us here in Greenwich and our children are the lucky ones because they get to interact with them each day," DTAC Chair Ms. Angie Hartofilis said in an announcement.

"Our community is extremely fortunate to have such passionate, talented, intelligent, caring, creative, and dedicated staff in our public schools. Having these impressive individuals contributing to our GPS community fills me with such pride and gratitude," Hartofilis added.

"Their contributions go above and beyond reaching each individual student at their academic level and fostering growth and curiosity in them as lifelong learners, but these educators are also creatively, tirelessly and passionately working to help guide them into thoughtful, caring, imaginative people that will contribute to society."

The annual Distinguished Teachers Award ceremony is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, at Central Middle School. The public is invited to attend.