Rochester Music Teacher Anastasia Polashenski Named a Finalist for the 2027 New York State Teacher of the Year Award

Rochester, New York – The Rochester City School District is celebrating music educator Anastasia Polashenski after she was named a finalist for the 2027 New York State Teacher of the Year award.

Polashenski, a music teacher at Loretta Johnson Middle School, received the state-level recognition in Albany, New York. Her selection places her among educators being considered for one of the state’s most prominent teaching honors.

For the Rochester City School District, the recognition is also an opportunity to highlight the work taking place in classrooms throughout the district. School officials said Polashenski represents the kind of dedication and commitment they want to see reflected across RCSD.

Her work with students has already earned recognition within the district. In May 2025, Polashenski was named the Special Area Educator of the Year during RCSD’s fifth annual Educator of the Year awards ceremony.

That program was created in 2021 by the RCSD Office of Human Capital. It recognizes employees who go beyond their regular responsibilities to create meaningful and supportive learning experiences for students.

The educators honored through the program are nominated by a broad group of people connected to the school community. Those nominations can come from fellow educators, students, parents, community members and supervisors.

Read also: Adam Bello announces nine recipients of Monroe County’s first Community Climate Action Fund pilot program

Polashenski’s latest recognition brings that local honor to the state level. Her nomination as a finalist for the 2027 New York State Teacher of the Year award reflects the continued attention surrounding her work as a music educator.

The state Teacher of the Year program is designed to recognize teachers who demonstrate strong instructional skills while also supporting students in compassionate and inclusive learning environments.

The program places particular emphasis on educators who encourage excellence and lifelong learning. It also reflects the goals outlined in the New York State Portrait of a Graduate, including student-centered instruction, whole-child development and interdisciplinary learning.

Culturally responsive-sustaining education is another part of the broader vision behind the state recognition. The approach encourages schools to create learning environments where students’ backgrounds and experiences are considered part of the educational process.

Read also: Final ROC the Block employment fair brings 168 employers and community resources to Parcel 5 Wednesday

For Polashenski, the finalist recognition adds another distinction to a career already marked by acknowledgment from the Rochester school community. Her work in music education has brought her recognition from colleagues and others connected to RCSD, and she now has the opportunity to be considered for a statewide teaching honor.

The Rochester City School District said her achievement is worth celebrating not only because of the individual recognition, but also because it shines a light on the dedication of teachers and the learning taking place throughout the district.

The 2027 New York State Teacher of the Year finalist designation therefore represents another milestone for Polashenski and a moment of recognition for the students, educators and school community connected to her work at Loretta Johnson Middle School.