Teacher of the Year

Julia Columbus

Kindergarten Teacher
Derynoski Elementary School
2026-2027

The Southington Public School District is proud to announce that Julia Columbus, a Kindergarten teacher at Derynoski Elementary School has been chosen as the 2026-2027 Teacher of the Year. Chris Palmieri, Teacher of the Year Program Coordinator, stated “as always, it is difficult to select only one teacher of the year due to the outstanding teachers we have in Southington, however Mrs. Columbus stood out especially because of the professional impact she makes with her colleagues and her dedication to her students.” Julia will be recognized at the 2026-2027 Staff Convocation as well as at a reception prior to a Board of Education meeting in September at the Municipal Center.

Mrs. Columbus has been teaching in Southington for the past seventeen years and has been in her current position at Derynoski for the past thirteen years. She previously taught for four years in second grade at Derynoski. She also taught for four years in other districts before being hired in Southington. Sarah Williams, Derynoski Principal stated “Julia Columbus represents the very best of our profession. She is masterful, compassionate, brilliant, humble, and deeply devoted to children.”

Mrs. Columbus received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Elementary Education in 2003 from Sacred Heart University. She then earned her master’s degree in Elementary Education in 2004 from Sacred Heart University. Most recently, she completed her 6th year degree in Advanced Studies of Literacy in 2025 also from Sacred Heart University. As a result, she earned the designation as a remedial reading and Language Arts specialist and has an Advanced Dyslexia Graduate Certificate.

Julia readily volunteers for committees and activities. She served on the MTSS School Literacy Leadership Team as the teacher representative, is a TEAM trained mentor teacher, and serves on the District Literacy Leadership Team. In addition, she serves on the SRBI team and School Improvement Team at Derynoski Elementary School. Julia is a strong advocate for high-quality literacy instruction, consistently promoting evidence-based practices that foster a love of reading while helping every student develop the skills needed to become successful, lifelong learners.

Mrs. Columbus describes her educational philosophy as being a “lifelong learner who seeks opportunities to strengthen instructional practice through collaboration, professional development, and self reflection.” As a mentor herself, she values supporting colleagues because she believes teaching is a continuous process of learning and improvement.