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Brookline Education Foundation honors two longtime teachers; recipients speak about inclusion and the arts
Summary
The Brookline Education Foundation presented the 2026 awards to Jen Nixon (Ridley School) and Carolyn Castellano (Brookline High School). Both recipients described student-centered work: Nixon highlighted inclusive athletics and wellness programming; Castellano described building a nationally recognized music program.
The Brookline Education Foundation presented its 2026 awards to two district educators during the May 13 school committee meeting.
Kim Barnum, executive director of the Brookline Education Foundation, introduced the elementary and high-school award winners, saying the foundation opens nominations annually for outstanding teaching and innovation.
At Ridley School, Jen Nixon (listed in some materials as Jen Mathis in the transcript) was recognized for decades of service, leadership in making athletics more inclusive for non-binary student athletes and her role as a 'sunshine chair' supporting colleagues. Nixon told the committee that teaching and collaboration have been central to her career and shared anecdotes about students, colleagues and curriculum innovations.
Carolyn Castellano of Brookline High School accepted the high-school award, and colleagues described her three-decade contribution to the music program, her creation of digital-music and ensemble opportunities, and sustained individualized feedback for students. She said the program's collaborative approach teaches students both craft and leadership.
Committee members thanked the foundation and the awardees and invited the full committee to future BEF events that showcase teacher grants and district innovation.
