Overview

The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) recognizes paraeducators selected each year by their districts for their accomplishments and contribution to the students they serve, their schools and their communities. These honorees represent the commitment, passion, and dedication that many paraeducators in Connecticut demonstrate each and every day. Each year, one of these honorees is selected by the CSDE as the recipient of the Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award. This individual serves as the spokesperson and representative of the paraeducator profession during the following year.

Special Note: In March 2013, the CSDE and the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council renamed the Connecticut Paraeducator of the Year Award as the Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award in honor of Anne Marie Murphy, a special education paraeducator who lost her life during the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012, while trying to save and comfort her first grade students.

Paraeducator of the year 2017, Peggy Kelley with Commissioner Dianna Wentzell and Chairman of the Board Allan Taylor