State board honors paraprofessionals, adopts resolution recognizing their role

The Connecticut State Board of Education on April 1 recognized paraprofessionals statewide, presented the Anna Marie Murphy Paraprofessional of the Year awards and adopted a formal resolution thanking paraeducators for their service.

The annual recognition included finalists from multiple districts and named Vanessa Taylor of [school name as stated] the 2026 Anna Marie Murphy Parapro educator of the year. Winners and finalists described daily classroom work and its effects on students. Vanessa Taylor told board members, "I tell every student that I come in contact with that every one of them holds the power of yet," and described the day‑to‑day work of building students' confidence and foundational skills.

Speakers at the ceremony emphasized paraeducators' central role. Trisha Santos, co‑chair of the Connecticut Paraprofessional Educator Advisory Council, said paraprofessionals' work is a "love and a passion for the students" and urged the state to back recognition with sustained investment. The board read a proclamation and moved to adopt a resolution extending its "gratitude and appreciation to all Connecticut paraeducators for their dedication and service to the students and families of the state of Connecticut." The motion was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote.

Commissioner Charlene Russell Tucker and staff outlined a small budget allocation under consideration to create state‑level paraprofessional positions that could be part of a pipeline to teaching; the commissioner said the governor’s budget included funds that would permit hiring up to 30 state paraeducators if enacted.

The board said it will monitor implementation and requested monthly follow‑up reports from staff on any new state hires and related classification work.