Turn of River Educator Honored as 2023 Teacher of the Year
Middle School Teacher Lauded for Support for New Arrivals Students
STAMFORD — When students move to a new school district, it isn’t always the easiest experience. Now, imagine if they were moving from an entirely different country. Making that adjustment easier is a key reason for why Elba Sims, who teaches the New Arrivals class at Turn of River Middle School, was selected as Stamford’s 2023 Teacher of the Year.
“I was pleased with the opportunity to present Elba Sims with a proclamation in recognition of being named 2023 Stamford Teacher of the Year,” Mayor Caroline Simmons shared in her weekly newsletter. “Elba is a remarkable teacher who runs the New Arrivals class, teaching students who have just arrived in the US from various countries around the world. Elba’s dedication, compassion, and love for her students shines through in all that she does, and we are grateful to have her as a teacher with Stamford Public Schools.”
Stamford Public Schools (SPS) also shared some kind words about Elba in a recent update. “Elba’s devotion, compassion, and deep love for her students shines through in all that she does and we are grateful to have her as a teacher with Stamford Public Schools at Turn of River.”
At the state level, sponsored by the Connecticut Department of Education in partnership with the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Council, the Connecticut Teacher of the Year program began more than six decades ago in 1952.
When Sims, who also works with Building One Community, was first announced as Stamford Teacher of the Year 2023, Superintendent Tamu Lucero said in a message to the district “[t]his award is nominated and voted on by our staff and recognizes one of their own for their ongoing contribution to our school community. Elba is an amazing New Arrivals Teacher! I want to sincerely thank the Teacher of the Year Committee for all of their hard work and time.”

“The Teacher of the Year program is designed to recognize educators who inspire a love for learning in their students and who have distinguished themselves in the profession,” the Connecticut Department of Education said regarding the recognition at large. “Local districts have found it is a way to select a teacher who represents excellence in the teaching profession. The selected finalist and semi-finalist cohort are also invited to participate in forums, conferences and networking events and to share their best practices in the classroom.”
Among the exciting opportunities available to each teacher of the year, Sims was able to participate in the Stamford Downtown Parade Spectacular on November 19, 2023. She appeared on the Stamford Public Schools float with the theme “Love Is Love No Matter What Language You Speak!” and sponsored by M&T Bank.
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