Superintendent of Schools Aníbal Soler Jr. introduced the three 2026 Teachers of the Year before the Yonkers Board of Education formally inducted them into the Teachers Hall of Fame during the April 22, 2026, Stated Meeting. The Teacher of the Year program is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, highlighting the strong collaboration with Yonkers Kiwanis.
Ms. Julie Cupertino is an outstanding special education teacher at School 5 whose career reflects excellence, innovation, and deep commitment to the Yonkers community. A proud graduate of Yonkers Public Schools, she has intentionally built her career around serving the district that shaped her.
In addition to attending PEARLS, Museum Middle School, and Saunders Trades and Technical, Ms. Cupertino basically “grew up” at School 5, as her mother was the Principal’s assistant there for over 20 years. Ms. Cupertino started her career with Yonkers in 2010, and has also worked at Riverside High School and Cedar Place School.
Ms. Cupertino holds a Bachelor’s degree in Childhood Education from Iona University, a Master’s degree in Special Education, and advanced credentials, including National Board Certification and Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) certification. Her instructional practice is rooted in strong relationships, inclusive structures, and evidence-based strategies that support students with complex academic, social, and emotional needs.
In her classroom, Ms. Cupertino integrates STEAM initiatives, executive functioning supports, sensory-responsive environments, and original instructional strategies—most notably her “CUBS: Show What We KNOW” approach—to empower student independence and confidence. Beyond the classroom, she serves as a trusted leader and mentor, contributes to school-wide initiatives, partners closely with families, and provides professional development for colleagues.
Her compassion, advocacy, and leadership embody the highest ideals of the teaching profession.
Ms. Noreen Garvey is a highly dedicated and compassionate special education teacher with over 20 years of service in Yonkers Public Schools, all at Westchester Hills School 29. Ms. Garvey entered the district in June of 2005, working in the autism summer program. She holds degrees from Marist College and the College of New Rochelle and has dedicated her career to supporting students with autism through rigorous academics, communication development, and functional life skills.
Ms. Garvey feels she was called to this work at an early age. As one of five children, she grew up alongside an elder brother with special needs. She has credited her mother's compassion and strength while advocating for a special needs child as her inspiration to pursue a career as a Special Education Teacher.
Ms. Garvey’s student-centered approach emphasizes independence, confidence, and inclusion. She integrates assistive technology, AAC supports, real-world learning, and creative expression to ensure every student has a voice. She is the founder of Rock the Spectrum, a performing arts initiative that has highlighted student talents and fostered inclusion for more than 15 years.
Beyond the classroom, Ms. Garvey is a leader in school-wide initiatives, family engagement, grant-writing, and community partnerships. Her lasting impact is evident in the enduring relationships she maintains with students and families long after they leave her classroom.
Mr. Richard Harman is a veteran secondary mathematics educator with 25 years of service in the Yonkers Public School System. He holds dual degrees in Mathematics and Education from SUNY Plattsburgh, and a Master’s degree in Teaching Mathematics from Cambridge College, and specialized training in Secondary Montessori education. He began his career with Yonkers in 2001 at Mark Twain and continued his role as a math teacher when the school was renamed Yonkers Montessori Academy.
As Mathematics Department Chairperson at Yonkers Montessori Academy, Mr. Harman provides instructional leadership, curriculum alignment, and mentorship to colleagues while maintaining a student-centered classroom grounded in inquiry, trust, and real-world application.
Beyond academics, Mr. Harman has served as a coach for more than 17 years, earning multiple Section 1 Coach of the Year honors. Mr. Harman credits his coaching experiences with helping him gain unique perspective on student development beyond the classroom, allowing him to connect with students on a deeper level and support their growth in all areas of life.
He is the founder of the school’s Math Honor Society (Mu Alpha Theta), co-leads community service initiatives such as Project Impact, and supports experiential learning through service-based travel and local partnerships.
His holistic approach to education—addressing academic, social, emotional, and civic growth—has left a profound and lasting mark on students and the school community.