Greenwich High School special education teacher Joy Colon has received the Connecticut Education Association’s top teaching honor, the John McCormack Award for Teaching Excellence.

Colon, who has spent more than 25 years supporting students with diverse learning needs, was recognized before hundreds of educators at the CEA Representative Assembly at Mohegan Sun. CEA leaders praised her professionalism, advocacy and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

She co-chairs the CEA Racial and Ethnic Diversity Affairs Commission and is known for creating learning environments where students feel valued and capable. Families say she has helped their children gain confidence and thrive.

Colon also serves on the Trumbull Town Council, bringing an educator’s perspective to community decisions affecting students and public schools. She received a $2,000 honorarium and will represent CEA at the Salute to Education Gala in Washington, D.C., as the association’s nominee for a national teaching excellence award.