Sacha Kelly has combined her career as a mathematics teacher and her avocation as an artist to have an impact on countless young lives.

We honored her with a scholarship and welcomed her into our scholarship family in 2009, and recently she received another well-deserved recognition.

The Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) named her a “Hidden Gem” for all she has done for her students at the Academy of Science and Innovation in New Britain, where she is a mathematics teacher.

Mrs. Kelly was born in Trinidad, came to the U.S. as a child with her family and settled in New York City, where she graduated from the prestigious Stuyvesant High School.

She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Trinity College and the University of Saint Joseph, respectively, and has continued to learn and grow as she has built her career.

She won a Joule Fellowship at UConn, in which she did cutting-edge research intended to enrich her teaching. Along the way, she obtained administrator certification at Central Connecticut State University.

Sacha Kelly in the laboratory at UConn.

Positive Impact on Youths

In a video interview with Yanique Grant-Buchanan of CREC, who presented the Hidden Gem award, Mrs. Kelly said she was proud of having a role in improving the lives of her students, many of whom remain in touch with her after graduation.

“That’s what brings me joy,” she said, “to know that I have had an impact on so many youths over the years.”

Social Justice and Math

Mrs. Kelly emphasizes incorporating concepts of social justice into her teaching of mathematics. She is the author of a “Mural Mathematics” chapter in a book titled Connecting Mathematics and Social Justice: A Guide for Educators. The book was written by the Mathematics Teachers Circle for Social Justice, in which she was a member of the inaugural 2021 Summer Stars cohort of mathematics teachers.

“The chapter is intended to help other teachers to see how they can incorporate social justice into the math curriculum,” she said. “Whether they are teaching algebra or geometry, the curriculum can reflect the lives of their students more effectively if they take the time to make math more multicultural and diverse. It will have a lasting impact on their students if math is being taught in a way that’s more meaningful.

“Teachers should be reaching students where they are,” she said, “so they will see themselves in math. I hope (the book) will improve the teaching of math throughout the state.”

Sharing Her Love of Art

She has also found ways to share her love of art with students at her school. Three times during the year, she and her students create murals at school in celebration of Black History, Hispanic Heritage, and Caribbean Heritage.

“These are major productions put on with the involvement of students and other teachers,” she said.

Beyond teaching math, Mrs. Kelly coaches the school’s cheerleading team.

Bloomfield street mural

Art Projects in the Community

She also has led community collaborations in creating Black Lives Matter murals on Trinity Street at Bushnell Park in Hartford and on a street near Town Hall in Bloomfield. She engaged students in creating “Say Their Names” street murals at schools in Bloomfield and an “End Racism Now” mural in Windsor.

“These murals were community collaborations representing diverse perspectives,” she said.

Sacha Kelly with Black Lives Matter street mural.

Shout Out to Alma Exley Scholars

Mrs. Kelly gave a shout out in the interview to her CREC colleagues who also have been honored by the Alma Exley Scholarship Program. They are Desi Nesmith, assistant executive director, and Dr. Violet Jiménez Sims, who manages CREC’s Teacher Residency Program.

“The network of Alma Exley Scholars has grown into an impressive cohort of educators whom I draw inspiration from,” she said. “The network even includes Dr. Miguel Cardona (former U.S. secretary of education). I’m so happy to be a part of this group of educators.”

Mrs. Kelly concluded the interview with a paraphrase of a quotation from author Maya Angelou: “Your students may not remember every specific thing you taught them, but they will remember how you made them feel.” And she added, “I will continue to work in the CREC community to make sure our students feel as wonderful and beautiful and capable as they really are.”

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The Alma Exley Scholarship Program recognized the potential of Chastity Berrios Hernández to become an outstanding teacher when we honored her in 2017.

Now Educators for Excellence, a nonprofit that advocates for the teaching profession, has honored her as a Rising Star.

From left, Rachel Kwon, Chastity Berrios Hernàndez, and Donata Dziejma

Going Above and Beyond

The Rising Star Award recognizes educators who have gone above and beyond the call of duty for their students and in doing so have helped to cultivate a positive culture and sense of community within their schools.

Ms. Berrios is teaching in a third-grade, bilingual classroom at Clinton Avenue School in her hometown of New Haven, CT.

“This is an outstanding accomplishment, and we thank you for your work,” said Donata Dziejma, a special education teacher at Clinton Avenue School who nominated Ms. Berrios for the award.

Said Rachel Kwon of Educators for Excellence, “Your coworkers have witnessed firsthand the way you welcome each new student with open arms, ensuring they have everything they need to feel at home in their new learning environment.

“You listen to your students, encourage them, and stand as their unwavering advocate. You build relationships that foster trust, growth, and a sense of belonging–something that is truly life-changing for your students.

“Your impact extends far beyond your classroom. Co-teachers have seen former students seek you out in times of need, knowing that you will always make time for them, whether the challenge is academic or personal.

“Your deep connection with your students helps them navigate conflicts and hardships, and it is evident that your presence in their lives makes a lasting difference.”

Profound Effect on Students

Presenting Ms. Berrios with a $50 gift card, Ms. Kwon said, “As you continue your journey as an educator, we hope you recognize the profound effect you have on your students—not just in the moment but also for years to come.

“The lessons you teach, the kindness you show, and the confidence you instill in your students will stay with them long after they leave your classroom.”

Varied Accomplishments

In being named a Rising Star, Ms. Berrios was recognized for a variety of accomplishments, including:

• Under her guidance, her students won the Multilingual/Bilingual contest twice within her department’s initiative to celebrate multilingual learners.

• She revived Clinton Avenue School’s Parent Teacher Organization, which had been inactive since 2011.

• She established an after-school program to provide social and emotional activities for young learners.

• In addition, she has completed the ARCTEL program, an advanced, state-approved educator-preparation program granting her a cross-endorsement in bilingual education.

“I believe that effective teaching is essential to student success,” Ms. Berrios said. “As a first-generation university graduate, I understand the importance of education in transforming lives, and I strive to instill that value in my students.” 

The Alma Exley Scholarship Program honored Ms. Berrios when she was a student at Fairfield University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

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Ivy Horan is going all out to share her love of reading with students at Mayberry School in East Hartford, where she is a first-grade teacher.

This enthusiastic self-starter has organized a highly successful, school-wide Literacy Night for the students and their parents.

Ms. Horan, whom we honored in 2019, is in her fifth year of teaching at the elementary school where students of color comprise 91 percent of the student body.

Ivy Horan in her classroom library, stocked with multicultural books.

Previously, she organized a Multicultural Night to celebrate the rich diversity of the Mayberry students, whose families hail from many countries and who speak well over two dozen languages other than English.

Equity Team Project

Ms. Horan suggested the event to her principal, Angela Hewins, at the start of the academic year when the Equity Team, which she co-leads, was planning its calendar of events.

“Angie enthusiastically endorsed the plan,” she said. “She is very supportive of any events that can bring our families closer together within the school community.”

Hundreds of books donated

Enthusiastic Community Response

Ms. Horan and Kennedy Martin, co-leader the Equity Team, solicited donations of books via Facebook and local online forums. They collected more than 1,000 used and new books. Many of the books reflected the multicultural character of the student body and many supported social and emotional learning.

On the big night, students from kindergarten through fifth grade packed the cafeteria along with parents, teachers, and professors and students from the University of Saint Joseph, who are partnering with Mayberry on various educational projects.

The East Hartford Public Library also supplied books, and staff provided information on library resources. FoodCorps, a supplier of farm-to-school provisions, donated cookies and locally sourced milk for the event. The school’s Family Resource Center staffed a table to inform parents of community resources.

Teachers, Parents, and Students Reading

“The evening began with teachers at each cafeteria table reading books to students and their families,” Ms. Horan said. “Angelica Silva, our bilingual family specialist, read books in Spanish as well. Then students began ‘shopping’ for books, and parents began reading to their own children. And some of our fifth graders began reading to the younger children. It was beautiful!

“Each student took home at least 10 books. USJ students guided families to books that were age-appropriate for their children,” she said. “Students were excited to get new books, and parents expressed their appreciation.

“The entire Literacy Night process—from planning to execution– was a testament to how kind people can be,” Ms. Horan said. “When I reached out to the community for book donations, dozens of people responded. People dropped off books at my house, and I picked up books from their homes as well. My Equity Team co-leader, Kennedy Martin, did the same. Both of us received an immense amount of support. 

“Then, when it came to the event, our amazing school staff and community partners were enthusiastically involved. I had a smile on my face the entire time! Families were excited not only to receive free books for their children, but also to connect with one another. Parents said they enjoyed listening to others read stories as well as reading stories themselves.

“When we give students the tools to read, they are able to have the power to learn, engage in the world around them, and prepare for their future,” she said. “Our school prioritizes literacy instruction daily, and these books help students to have the ability to practice those skills at home.”

Attendees learned about library resources.

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