A New Haven educator whose work has helped expand special education services for students across multiple grade levels has been named New Haven Public Schools’ 2026 Teacher of the Year.
Catherine DiGioia, ’18, M.S. ’20, SYC ’21, a special education teacher at Lincoln Bassett Community School, was recognized by the New Haven Board of Education for her outstanding service to students with diverse learning needs and her leadership in growing the school’s self-contained special education program.
DiGioia has spent the last eight years teaching at Lincoln Bassett, serving students ages 4–12 in self-contained classrooms. Since joining the school in 2018, she has helped grow the special education program from a single kindergarten classroom into a comprehensive elementary and middle school program. In addition to teaching core academic subjects, she provides individualized instruction in communication, social skills, behavior support, motor development, and life skills.
DiGioia is a three-time Southern Connecticut State University graduate. She is also known for leading professional development sessions on individualized instruction, assistive technology, and sensory supports, while advocating for students with significant disabilities and supporting families and fellow educators.
DiGioia was selected from among this year’s TAPS Award recipients by a panel of administrators, union representatives, and previous honorees.
Read the New Haven Register story: “New Haven schools honor Teacher of the Year and Paraeducator of the Year”
