Who: Eight RCSD Educators

What: 2026 Educator of the Year Awards

When: Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 5:30 p.m.

Where: RCSD Central Office131 West Broad StreetRochester, NY 14614

Details: The Rochester City School District is proud to honor eight employees as 2026 Educators of the Year. The sixth annual Educator of the Year awards will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, during a ceremony at 131 West Broad Street. Launched in 2021 by the Office of Human Capital, the Educator of the Year awards celebrate staff members who go above and beyond to deliver meaningful teaching and learning experiences for RCSD students. Nominations are advanced by their peers, students, parents, community members, and supervisors. A selection committee then reviews nominees and the support materials provided. The following individuals will receive awards in eight categories: District Leader, Bilingual, Elementary, Related Services Provider, Special Subject, Secondary, Support Staff, and Classroom Support Staff.

District Leader Educator of the Year:

Stephanie Knapp, Special Education, Central Office

Bilingual Educator of the Year:

Julia Gonzalez, Abraham Lincoln School No. 22

Elementary Educator of the Year:

Christi Beckley, John Williams School No. 5

Related Service Provider Educator of the Year:

Linda Deats, John Williams School No. 5

Special Subject Educator of the Year:

Todd Dennis, Arts Department, Central Office

Secondary Educator of the Year:

LaToya Padilla, School of the Arts

Support Staff Educator of the Year:

Muhammad Naim Noori, Student Equity and Placement, Central Office

Classroom Support Staff Educator of the Year:

Chiquita Graham, Edison Career and Technology High School

Notably, Todd Dennis will now be eligible to enter the New York State competition for Teacher of the Year, an honor previously bestowed upon Flower City School No. 54 music teacher Zach Arenz in 2024.