Naugatuck Public Schools Name 2022 Paraeducator Of The Year

NAUGATUCK, CT — Naugatuck Public Schools announced this week Cassandra Ortiz has been named the district's 2022 Paraeducator of the Year.

In a Facebook post, district officials said Ortiz has worked for NPS as a paraeducator at the Early Childhood Center since 2009. During that time, Ortiz has partnered with the same teacher nearly every year, according to the district.

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"My greatest contribution is the ability to support a student's challenges and successes by knowing when to step up and when to step back," Ortiz said on Facebook. "Paraeducators have a dual job of assisting the teacher and supporting the student. Which is why knowing when to lead and when to follow is an essential skill to being a great paraeducator."

District officials noted Ortiz is passionate about children, especially NPS' preschool-aged kids. She is also the proud parent of two future Naugatuck High School graduates.

"We thank Cassie for her many contributions to the ECC and to the Naugatuck Public Schools," the post reads.

Read the post in full on the Naugatuck Public Schools Facebook page.