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Catholic Academy of Waterbury is proud to announce its very second Light of Christ teaching award winner in the past seven years in recognition of an outstanding Catholic School educator. This is a prestigious award bestowed upon only ten teachers in the Archdiocese of Hartford Catholic Schools annually who serve as role models for students, witnesses to Jesus, and educators for a lifetime who demonstrate excellence in teaching and learning. Mrs. Kerry Stead, Pre-Kindergarten Director and Pre-K4 Teacher at Catholic Academy of Waterbury has earned the honor.

 

Kerry embodies the essence of a Catholic educator. Her journey through the Archdiocese spans almost a decade, beginning at St. Augustine in Hartford and continuing through the merger of St. Brigid-St. Augustine in Elmwood. Kerry gave of her talents at Assumption in Ansonia before arriving at the Catholic Academy campus in 2022 as the first grade teacher. She now serves the school's youngest learners in Pre-Kindergarten and prepares them exceptionally well for success in school with a foundation of faith and excitement for learning.

Mrs. Stead says that “in my classroom, we learn through movement, laughter, and love. I believe that my energy sets the tone for a child's first school experience, and I am dedicated to making that experience one rooted in Catholic values and genuine joy for learning.”

 

Parents like Emily Collias and Mallory Gatison-Marsh agree. Reflecting on her child’s experience, Emily said “Mrs. Stead is truly an amazing educator. She is loving, patient, and caring, and she treats my daughter as if she were one of her own. We feel incredibly lucky to have had Finley in Mrs. Stead’s class for the past three years. She entered the school as an almost three-year-old who could hardly talk, and she is [graduating] as an articulate, well rounded five-year-old who is more than ready to take on kindergarten and beyond because of Mrs. Stead’s guidance and support. In her classroom, Finley has learned far more than her ABCs. Mrs. Stead has helped her grow into an independent and confident member of both her school and the greater Catholic community. We are so grateful for the kindness, dedication, and love she brings to her students every single day.” Mallory underscores the comments for her child and said "Mrs. Stead has truly been a strong tower and protector for my daughter in Pre-K. Through her patience, care, and guidance, I have watched my daughter grow in confidence, curiosity, and kindness. Mrs. Stead has created an environment that reinforces the same values and ideals we strive to teach at home. As a parent, it gives me great peace and security knowing my daughter is in such good and safe hands. She is not only teaching the children academically, but also planting seeds of faith, growth, and leadership that will help shape these young learners into thoughtful and compassionate future minds in Christ.”

 

Kerry truly creates a sanctuary of learning where academic rigor is beautifully balanced with spiritual formation and a family atmosphere with gentle, but firm, love for every child in her care. Her ability to help students reach their full potential is best evidenced by the fact that Catholic Academy of Waterbury has been voted "Best Pre-K" by the Republican-American Readers’ Choice Awards for two consecutive school years. This community recognition is a direct result of Kerry’s tireless efforts to provide a premier educational experience that prepares four-year-olds not just for Kindergarten, but for a life of faith and purpose.

 

Dr. Christa Chodkowski, Principal of Catholic Academy enthusiastically shares that “Kerry’s influence on our school culture is multi-faceted, reaching far beyond the four walls of her classroom. She serves as a vital pillar of our community in her roles as Summer Admissions Staff Support and the Parent Liaison for the Home and School Association. In these capacities, she is often the first face of our school, building immediate trust with prospective families and maintaining a spirit of transparency and joy with our current parents.”