2020 Neag School Outstanding Early Career Professional

Jessica Stargardter ’16 (ED), ’17 MA serves as a gifted and talented educator for Norwalk (Conn.) Public Schools, where she has implemented numerous educational and professional development programs. She also has been an avid speaker on various gifted and talented topics at state- and national-level professional conferences. In 2019, Stargardter was named the Neag School’s Rogers Educational Innovation Award recipient for her project on real-world investigations through photojournalism. She also has volunteered her time at several organizations, including serving as a resident tutor for “A Better Chance” program in New Canaan, Conn., mentoring high school students from diverse backgrounds.

“Jessica is one of the most innovative teachers I know ... Although Jessica is only at the beginning of her teaching career, she presents herself as a seasoned and veteran educator.”

— Lori Leibowitz, Coordinator of Gifted and Talented,
Norwalk (Conn.) Public Scohols

Acceptance Speech from Jessica

Well Wishes