Trinity School proudly announces that Kindergarten teacher Kerrie Coates has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Award.

Ms. Coates, who has been a beloved member of the Trinity community since 2007, was recognized for her exceptional dedication to her students, their families, and her colleagues. Colleagues praise how her "classroom encourages children to be independent and to explore new ideas and materials, to take risks when a concept is unfamiliar, and to learn from their mistakes."

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Coates has raised her hand time and again, serving as a Kindergarten Grade Level Coordinator, a Kindergarten Lower School Curriculum Coordinator, a Lower School Diversity Coordinator, and a member of the Lower School Admissions Committee. Her colleagues note that "She is a sought-after colleague for committee work and collaboration, and Kerrie enjoys the highest level of respect among her colleagues."

About the Distinguished Teaching Award
The Distinguished Teaching Endowment was created in 1983 as a tribute to Clarence Bruner-Smith, Dudley M. Maxim ’32, and Frank G. Smith. The Trinity Alumni and Alumnae Association awards the honor and a $10,000 prize each year to a teacher who has worked at Trinity for ten years or more and exemplifies the history and traditions of the school.

At today's faculty and staff meeting, President of the TAAA Board Katherine Haves Malitzky '08 presented Ms. Coates with this distinguished honor.
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Please join us in congratulating Ms. Coates on this well-deserved recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Trinity community.