Connecticut Teacher Recognized as Extraordinary Educator for Innovation in the Classroom
William Ortoleva, a dedicated educator from May V. Carrigan Intermediate School in West Haven, Connecticut, has made a remarkable impact in the field of education by being selected as one of the 2026 Extraordinary Educators by Curriculum Associates. This prestigious recognition program honors teachers across grades K-8 who showcase exceptional instructional skills and a strong commitment to fostering student growth. With over 170 educators considered from across the nation, being one of the merely 26 selected speaks volumes about Ortoleva's innovative teaching methodologies and effective engagement techniques.
Ortoleva's approach emphasizes the use of i-Ready tools, a suite of educational resources designed to enhance student learning through data-driven instruction. By analyzing learning data, he creates tailored lesson plans that meet the diverse needs of his students, fostering an inclusive environment where each child feels valued and supported. In Ortoleva's own words, receiving this honor is a significant affirmation of his passion for teaching math: "Being named an Extraordinary Educator means a GREAT deal to me because it recognizes the heart I put into teaching math every day."
The Extraordinary Educators program, now in its seventh year, provides honorees with a unique opportunity to participate in a year-long professional learning community. This includes leadership development programs and collaboration opportunities with fellow educators, promoting continual professional growth and impact across the educational landscape. Furthermore, the selected educators attend the annual Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit, where they exchange insights, learn from one another, and share their classroom strategies, thereby amplifying their influence in education nationwide.
Kelly Sia, CEO of Curriculum Associates, lauded the dedication and hard work of the honorees, stating, "Our Extraordinary Educators inspire us with their dedication to high-quality instruction and student success. We are proud to recognize their work and to walk alongside them as they continue to lead in their classrooms and communities."
William Ortoleva is not only recognized for his exemplary teaching but also for his genuine love for the profession, as he expresses fulfillment in witnessing his students' curiosity and growth each day. He believes that motivation and support in the classroom empower students to take risks, thereby enhancing their learning experiences.
As the 2026 cohort of Extraordinary Educators includes diverse roles from classroom teaching to student support and enrichment, the selection process involved a thorough review led by Curriculum Associates staff, along with input from a panel of company leaders and alumni. This collaborative process guarantees representation of different perspectives and fairness in the selection of these remarkable educators.
Curriculum Associates, the organization behind the Extraordinary Educators program, is devoted to enhancing the education of over 17 million students and one million educators across the nation. Their flagship product, i-Ready, integrates adaptive assessment, personalized learning, and core curriculum in subjects like English language arts and mathematics. Through its commitment to innovation, Curriculum Associates continues to lead in educational technology with its AI Labs, designing trustworthy solutions for educators worldwide.
To explore more about the Extraordinary Educators program or to view the complete list of 2026 honorees, please visit the Curriculum Associates website. Ortoleva’s story exemplifies how passionate and dedicated teachers can make a significant difference in the lives of their students, one lesson at a time.
Ortoleva's approach emphasizes the use of i-Ready tools, a suite of educational resources designed to enhance student learning through data-driven instruction. By analyzing learning data, he creates tailored lesson plans that meet the diverse needs of his students, fostering an inclusive environment where each child feels valued and supported. In Ortoleva's own words, receiving this honor is a significant affirmation of his passion for teaching math: "Being named an Extraordinary Educator means a GREAT deal to me because it recognizes the heart I put into teaching math every day."
The Extraordinary Educators program, now in its seventh year, provides honorees with a unique opportunity to participate in a year-long professional learning community. This includes leadership development programs and collaboration opportunities with fellow educators, promoting continual professional growth and impact across the educational landscape. Furthermore, the selected educators attend the annual Extraordinary Educators Leadership Summit, where they exchange insights, learn from one another, and share their classroom strategies, thereby amplifying their influence in education nationwide.
Kelly Sia, CEO of Curriculum Associates, lauded the dedication and hard work of the honorees, stating, "Our Extraordinary Educators inspire us with their dedication to high-quality instruction and student success. We are proud to recognize their work and to walk alongside them as they continue to lead in their classrooms and communities."
William Ortoleva is not only recognized for his exemplary teaching but also for his genuine love for the profession, as he expresses fulfillment in witnessing his students' curiosity and growth each day. He believes that motivation and support in the classroom empower students to take risks, thereby enhancing their learning experiences.
As the 2026 cohort of Extraordinary Educators includes diverse roles from classroom teaching to student support and enrichment, the selection process involved a thorough review led by Curriculum Associates staff, along with input from a panel of company leaders and alumni. This collaborative process guarantees representation of different perspectives and fairness in the selection of these remarkable educators.
Curriculum Associates, the organization behind the Extraordinary Educators program, is devoted to enhancing the education of over 17 million students and one million educators across the nation. Their flagship product, i-Ready, integrates adaptive assessment, personalized learning, and core curriculum in subjects like English language arts and mathematics. Through its commitment to innovation, Curriculum Associates continues to lead in educational technology with its AI Labs, designing trustworthy solutions for educators worldwide.
To explore more about the Extraordinary Educators program or to view the complete list of 2026 honorees, please visit the Curriculum Associates website. Ortoleva’s story exemplifies how passionate and dedicated teachers can make a significant difference in the lives of their students, one lesson at a time.
Topics Other）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.