Region 15 invites all school staff, parents and students to submit nominations for the 2025-26 Pomperaug Regional School District Teacher of the Year and the 2025-26 Pomperaug Regional School District Paraeducator of the Year. The Teacher and Paraeducator of the Year awards recognize excellence for all Teachers and Paraeducators through the selection of an outstanding representative Teacher and outstanding representative Paraeducator in our school district.

Please submit your nomination(s) no later than 3:00 pm on Friday, April 11, 2025.  

Follow the link for the: Region 15 Teacher and Paraeducator of the Year Nomination Form

Region 15 Teacher of the Year Information:
The Region 15 Selection Committee has developed the following guidelines for considering nominations for Teacher of the Year:

• Demonstrated ability to inspire enthusiasm and motivation for learning in students
• Demonstrated use of effective teaching techniques, flexibility of style, innovation, and creativity
• Caring relationships with students
• Demonstrated commitment to continuing professional growth and development
• Respect and admiration of students, colleagues, parents and administration
• Personal philosophy and goals
• Ability to articulate ideas clearly
• Community involvement
• Meeting standards of professional and ethical conduct

These guidelines represent general areas for consideration; it is not necessary for the candidate to possess special strengths in every area, since the selection will be based on a holistic assessment of the candidacy. In addition, The Region 15 Teacher of the Year nominees must be tenured teachers in the district and have not received this award previously.

The Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program began in 1952. It is sponsored by the Connecticut State Department of Education, Talent Office and a number of corporate, organizational and individual sponsors, it begins with the selection of a teacher of the year in each district and continues to the national level, where the Connecticut Teacher of the Year becomes eligible for national honors.

The Region 15 Paraeducator of the Year:

The CT State Department of Education has developed the following guidelines for considering nominations for Paraeducator of the Year for assisting teachers/providers with:

• Building and maintaining effective instructional teams
• Maintaining learner-centered supportive environments
• Supporting teachers/providers with planning and organizing learning experiences
• Assessing learner needs, progress, and achievement
• Engaging students in learning and assisting in instruction; and in meeting standards of professional and ethical conduct.

These guidelines will represent general areas for consideration; it is not necessary for the candidate to possess special strengths in every area, since the selection will be based on a holistic assessment of the candidacy. 

In March 2013, the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council renamed the Connecticut Paraeducator of the Year Award to the Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award in honor of Anne Marie Murphy, a special education paraprofessional who lost her life during the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012.

The Teacher of the Year and Paraeducator of the Year awards are wonderful ways to recognize excellence for all Teachers and Paraeducators through the selection of an outstanding Teacher and Paraeducator in our district. Region 15 Schools and the Teacher and Paraeducator of the Year committees ask that you take a few minutes to nominate one or more Teachers and/or Paraeducators for these honors.

Questions can be directed to Benay Woodford, bwoodford@region15.org or Jessica Clark, jessica.clark@region15.