CHELSEA, Mass. – At the first regular meeting of the Chelsea School Committee of the 2024-25 school year, Chelsea Public Schools and Superintendent Dr. Almi G. Abeyta recognized CPS teachers who earned Professional Status as well as bestowed the school district’s Butterfly Award and inaugural Name, Strength and Story Award. 

To receive Professional Status, educators must be fully licensed and received at least three years of satisfactory or exemplary evaluations. Congratulations to all our educators who earned professional status:

Teachers who received Professional Status were recognized at the Chelsea School Committee meeting on Thursday, September 5

Nina Silva-Bowe of the Early Learning Center received the Butterfly Award this year. Nominated by her administrative team, Ms. Silva-Bowe has worked as the Music Teacher at the ELC for the past 10 years. She is a wonderful teacher who makes meaningful connections with her students. She is thoughtful, engaging and clearly enjoys sharing her love of music and movement with her young children. Ms. Silva-Bowe is described as “the heart and soul of the ELC”.

The Butterfly Award is given to a Chelsea Public Schools teacher, by the family of Carolyn Arond, to support creative ideas and innovative instructional practices.    It is presented to an educator who exemplifies the qualities and attributes that Carolyn brought to her professional practice. The recipient will receive a $500. award that can be used for professional development opportunities or for materials and/or activities that will enhance and support student learning.  

Nina Silva-Bowe is pictured above at the Chelsea Public Schools staff Convocation where she first was announced as the Butterfly Award winner on Monday, August 26, at Chelsea High School

Chelsea Opportunity Academy teacher Max Benford earned the inaugural Name, Strength and Story Award. The Name, Strength and Story award is given to an educator who believes in a world of possibilities for their students and that behind every strength lies a future opportunity. And behind every story is the heart of a student waiting to be understood, encouraged, celebrated and loved. This educator ignites potential, nurtures dreams, and instills a sense of self-worth in every student who walks through their classroom door. 

Max Benford pictured with Superintendent Dr. Almi G. Abeyta at CPS Convocation after being named the inaugural recipient of the Name, Strength and Story Award

To see our Professional Status educators, Nina Silva-Bowe and Max Benford be recognized with their respective honors, watch the School Committee meeting below or click here to watch on YouTube.