Greenwich Public Schools announced on Wednesday that Hamilton Avenue School’s Emilia Furano has been named the district’s Paraeducator of the Year and will now move forward to represent GPS for the Connecticut State Department of Education 2027 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award. Mrs. Furano was chosen from 15 paraeducator candidates, each representing one of the 15 schools in the district.
“Any success that the Greenwich Public Schools is recognized for would not be possible without the tireless and selfless work of our paraeducators,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Toni Jones said. “Emilia Furano is the epitome of the many everyday heroes we have in every one of our buildings. The Hamilton Avenue School community is fortunate to have her working with our students. Our appreciation for paraeducators cannot be simply expressed in any award or public acknowledgement.”
In honor of Anne Marie Murphy, a paraeducator who lost her life at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012, the Paraeducator of the Year 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.
“In the classroom, Mrs. Furano is an invaluable instructional partner,” Hamilton Avenue School Principal Diane Fox said. “She actively and effectively assists teachers with assessing learner needs, tracking student progress, and monitoring achievement. Mrs. Furano possesses a rare combination of vast experience and an intuitive, kind nature; she knows exactly how to provide the necessary scaffolding and behavioral support while still allowing students the space to learn, fail safely, and ultimately grow into independent learners.”
The Connecticut State Dept of Education defines a paraeducator as an employee who assists teachers and/or other certified professionals or therapists in the delivery of instructional and related services to students.
The paraeducator works under the direct supervision of the teacher and/or other certified or licensed professionals. The ultimate responsibility for the design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional programs, including assessment of student progress, is a collaborative effort between certified and licensed staff.
“Promoting inclusion and independence is what I consider my greatest contribution as a paraeducator,” Furano said. “While it is rewarding to feel helpful and needed, the greatest satisfaction comes when a student no longer needs me to guide them through every part of their day.”
In July, the Selection Committee will review the applications; in August, semifinalist interviews will be conducted; in September, site visits will take place at finalists’ schools. On Wednesday, December 2, the winner will be honored during the 2027 Connecticut Teacher of the Year ceremony at the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts in Hartford.