Region 15 Teacher & Paraeducator of the Year

2026–2027 Nomination Criteria & Program Overview

Region 15 invites staff, parents, students, and community members to help recognize outstanding educators by submitting a nomination for the 2026–2027 Pomperaug Regional School District Teacher of the Year and Paraeducator of the Year.

These awards honor individuals who demonstrate excellence, dedication to students, and meaningful contributions to the school community.

TO Submit a Nomination

To nominate a Teacher or Paraeducator, please complete the nomination form below.

2026-27 Teacher and Paraeducator Nomination Form

Nomination Deadline: Friday, April 10, 2026 at 3:00 PM

📣 Award Announcement:
Region 15 Teacher of the Year and Paraeducator of the Year recipients will be announced early to mid-May 2026.

About the Awards

The Teacher of the Year and Paraeducator of the Year awards recognize excellence across Region 15 through the selection of one outstanding Teacher and one outstanding Paraeducator to represent the district.

These honors celebrate educators who make a lasting difference through their commitment, professionalism, and impact on students and colleagues.

Teacher of the Year

Teacher of the Year Criteria

The Region 15 Selection Committee considers nominations for Teacher of the Year using the following general areas:

Ability to inspire enthusiasm and motivation for learning
Effective teaching techniques, flexibility, innovation, and creativity
Caring relationships with students
Commitment to continuing professional growth and development
Respect and admiration of students, colleagues, parents, and administration
Personal philosophy and professional goals
Ability to articulate ideas clearly
Community involvement
Standards of professional and ethical conduct

These criteria are intended to guide nominations. Candidates are reviewed through a holistic process, and it is not necessary for a nominee to demonstrate exceptional strength in every area.

Teacher of the Year Eligibility

To be eligible, nominees must:

Be a tenured teacher in Region 15
Not have previously received the Region 15 Teacher of the Year award

Paraeducator of the Year

Paraeducator of the Year Criteria

The Connecticut State Department of Education has developed the following general areas for considering nominations for Paraeducator of the Year. Nominees are recognized for excellence in supporting teachers and providers with:

Building and maintaining effective instructional teams
Maintaining learner-centered, supportive environments
Planning and organizing learning experiences
Assessing learner needs, progress, and achievement
Engaging students in learning and assisting in instruction
Meeting standards of professional and ethical conduct

These guidelines are also used as part of a holistic review process, and nominees are not expected to demonstrate special strengths in every area.

History of the Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program

The Connecticut Teacher of the Year Program began in 1952 and is sponsored by the Connecticut State Department of Education, Talent Office, along with corporate, organizational, and individual sponsors.

The process begins with the selection of a Teacher of the Year in each district and continues to the state and national levels, where the Connecticut Teacher of the Year becomes eligible for national honors.

History of the Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award

In March 2013, the Connecticut State Department of Education and the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council renamed the Connecticut Paraeducator of the Year Award as the Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award.

The award honors Anne Marie Murphy, a special education paraprofessional who lost her life during the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. Her legacy continues through this recognition of compassion, dedication, and service to students.

Congratulations to OUR 2025-26 Winners!

Geri Ann Ristow
(PE Teacher at RMS)

Mercedes Deuth
(Paraprofessional at RMS)

five people standing in front of school athletic field

five people standing in front of school field

Why Your Nomination Matters

The Teacher of the Year and Paraeducator of the Year awards are meaningful ways to recognize the outstanding educators who support, inspire, and make a difference in the lives of students each day.

Region 15 encourages all staff, parents, students, and community members to take a few minutes to nominate one or more deserving Teachers and/or Paraeducators for these honors.

For additional information, please contact:

Benay Woodford
bwoodford@region15.org

Jessica Clark
jessica.clark@region15.org

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