Paraeducators play a vital role in our HPS community. Whether they're assisting in the classroom, providing one-on-one support, or helping to create a positive learning environment, paraprofessionals make a difference in the lives of our children in countless ways. We're excited to announce our nominees for Paraeducator of the Year!
On Paraeducator Appreciation Day, April 2, we will announce our Top Ten, and then on May 6, Superintendent Dr. Andraé Townsel will suprise our winner with a school visit!
Here is the list of our nominated Paraeducators:
School | First Name | Last Name |
Adult Education | ||
BSTEM | Luljeta | Doci |
Belizzi Dual Languaga | Corran | Foran |
Betances Learning Lab Magnet School | Christine | Guadalupe |
Breakthrough II Magnet (North) School | Sharon | Murrell |
Breakthrough Magnet (South) School | Vickena | Webb |
Bulkeley High School | ||
BURR Middle School | ||
Burns Latino Academy | Elizabeth | Echevarria |
Capital Preparatory Magnet School | ||
Classical Magnet School | Daniela | Figueroa |
Environmental Sciences Magnet at Mary Hooker | Amaiah | Rodriguez |
Expeditionary Learning Academy at Moylan | Adela | Gjoni |
Global Communications Academy | Kenneth | Brown |
Great Path Academy at MCC | ||
Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy | Maria | Aguilera |
Hartford Pre-K Magnet | Cynthia | Desrocher |
Hartford Public High School | Maria | Cruz |
Kennelly School | Maria | Vazquez |
Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts | Ziomara | Moquete |
M.D. Fox School | Rafael | Lugo |
McDonough Middle School | Cydonie | Brown |
Milner Middle School | Michael | Wright |
MLK Middle School | ||
Montessori Magnet at Annie Fisher | Hannah | Colley |
Montessori Magnet at Batchelder | Guzman | Mariceli |
Naylor School | Zayas | Maria |
New Visions | ||
Noah Webster MicroSociety Magnet School | Catherine | Valencia |
Parkville Community School | Maitte | Watrous |
Pathways Academy of Technology and Design | Alex | Kemp |
Rawson School | Chandler | Patricia |
Renzulli Academy | ||
Sanchez Elementary School | Jusue | Soto |
SAND School | Santiago | Ignacio |
Sports and Medical Sciences Academy | Shaianne | Lambert |
STEM Magnet School at Annie Fisher | Hannah | Colley |
STEM Magnet School at Betances | ||
University High School of Science and Engineering | ||
Weaver High School | Tyrell | Walker |
West Middle School | Patsy | Taylor |
Wish Museum School | Tiajah | Rose |
Congratulations to all our nominees!
The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) manages the 2027 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award. This program recognizes the important role of paraeducators in supporting students academically, socially, and emotionally. In honor of Anne Marie Murphy, a paraeducator who lost her life at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012, the award acknowledges the service and commitment of all Connecticut paraeducators, and honors one paraeducator, who has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in the performance of their job. The honoree has thereby earned the respect and admiration of other paraeducators, students, teachers, administrators, co-workers, and parents.
Superintendents and pupil services directors are invited to identify one district paraeducator of the year to apply for this award. The process begins with each school district nominating their own Paraeducator of the Year. To be eligible, the nominated candidates must be serving as a paraeducator who assists teachers in the delivery of instruction and related services to students and will serve in a paraeducator role for the 2025-26 school year.
The 2027 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year will be honored by CT State in December.