Danbury School District Celebrates Outstanding Educators for 2026

According to a release from Danbury Public Schools, two longtime educators are being recognized for the impact they’ve made on students throughout the district. Danbury High School teacher Emily Pardalis has officially been named the 2026 Teacher of the Year, while Rogers Park Middle School paraeducator Lisa Sam earned the title of 2026 Paraeducator of the Year.

Get our free mobile app

Pardalis has spent the last 23 years teaching in the Danbury school system and has built a reputation as the kind of teacher students genuinely want to learn from. District officials praised her ability to make learning exciting while also creating strong connections with students in the classroom. According to the district, her students take pride in their work, something administrators say comes directly from the positive environment and high expectations she brings every day.

Superintendent Dr. Kara Q. Casimiro said Pardalis understands how classroom learning connects to bigger life skills students will need after graduation. She also credited her with helping students become more prepared for life in the real world beyond school walls.

Meanwhile, Lisa Sam is being recognized after 20 years of working in Danbury Public Schools. Administrators described her as someone who consistently shows patience, compassion, and flexibility while helping support students and families across the district. The release also highlighted her calm and supportive presence, saying it has made a major difference for both students and staff members over the years.

Casimiro praised Sam’s dedication to student growth and success, saying she’s more than deserving of the recognition.

The district announced both honors this week as part of its annual recognition of standout educators who continue making a difference in Danbury classrooms every single day.