STEM teacher Alyssa Granata-Basso makes learning come alive for her K-8 students at John S. Martinez Sea and Sky STEM Magnet School. Granata-Basso promotes engagement by immersing students in STEM through community partnerships. She helped secure a partnership with New England Science and Sailing and obtained a grant allowing fifth graders to test water in different areas, established outdoor classrooms in collaboration with Common Ground High School and Head Start, acquired an aquaponics system and fish through a partnership with Trifecta Ecosystems, and collaborated with the Regional Water Authority to create a pollinator garden. Granata-Basso then organizes a “Martinez Market,” where students can sample what they have grown. Students’ critical thinking skills are put to the test in Granata-Basso’s monthly STEM challenge, an initiative connecting real-world projects to curriculum. Thanks in large part to Granata-Basso’s efforts, her school’s index category has increased from 5 to 2 on the Next Generation Accountability Report, leading to an exit from Focus School Status.
Granata-Basso’s integration of Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Comprehensive English Language Proficiency (CELP) standards into her teaching opens doors for hands-on learning experiences. By incorporating yoga and outdoor initiatives into the curriculum, Granata-Basso promotes well-being among students and staff. A lifelong advocate for students, she helps develop young leaders by advising and co-facilitating student council. Her guidance helps students navigate elections, school planning and community event organization each year. Granata-Basso also manages schoolwide technology and leads the seventh grade audiovisual (AV) video production class.
Granata-Basso’s input is valued far beyond the classroom. She sits on the school planning management team and leadership team, works on district science curriculum, mentors teachers, leads professional development presentations, attends PTO meetings, participates in budget discussions and grant management, and oversees school social media accounts. She leads by example through her community fundraising initiatives, field trip and movie night coordination, monthly recycling committee organization, and more.
Granata-Basso is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, earning a bachelor’s in psychology and elementary education in 2008, and a master’s in remedial reading in 2012.
Press release: Surprise $25,000 Milken Educator Award Leaves New Haven STEM Teacher Speechless
