Derby Public Schools Announces 2027 Paraeducator Of The Year

DERBY, CT — Derby Public Schools announced last week Stacey Tuhey has been selected as the 2027 District Paraeducator of the Year.

According to a news release provided by the district Wednesday, the Connecticut State Department of Education and the School Paraprofessional Advisory Council has established the Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Program to recognize the important role of the paraeducator in supporting student achievement.

Tuhey said she was "shocked and very grateful" to be nominated, according to the release.

"It feels so good to know that people saw how challenging this year was for us and appreciate what we do," Tuhey said in a news release.

According to the release, Tuhey has been a paraeducator at Bradley School since 2013.

She has served in different grade levels in her tenure, always being a positive role model for students and a great colleague to work with, the release notes.

"Last year, [Tuhey] started working in our Academic Learning Center," the release reads. "In this capacity, she supports our neediest learners, including students with exceptional medical needs. Derby Public Schools is proud to congratulate Ms. Stacey Tuhey on being named the 2027 Paraeducator of the Year and we are grateful for the care and professionalism she brings to her role."

The release also included remarks from a number of Tuhey's colleagues, who noted her hard work, perseverance and patience, as well as her dedication to her students and school.

"It is my pleasure to congratulate Stacey Tuhey on being named District Paraeducator of the Year," Angela Milewski, supervisor of special education, said in a news release. "Stacey's unwavering dedication to the students at Bradley School is evident in everything she does. She supports classroom instruction, assists with daily transitions, and consistently offers encouragement to both students and colleagues. Her positive presence and commitment make a meaningful impact each day, and this recognition is well deserved."

Superintendent of Schools Matthew Conway Jr. also congratulated Tuhey.

"Stacey's impact in the Bradley School LC and across the district is truly exceptional, and this recognition is well deserved," Conway said in a news release. "Thank you to all of our paraeducators for the vital work they do every day. You are an essential part of our mission and a shining example of 'grind, grit, glory' in action."

Board of Education Chair Ken Marcucio congratulated Tuhey on behalf of the city's Board of Education.

"We value kind, caring, compassionate people who care deeply about the welfare of all of our students that are part of the Derby Public School System," Marcucio said in a news release. "Well done Stacey."

Labor Relations Representative Colleen Ezzo said in the release she was "thrilled to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our paraeducators who have been recognized for their upstanding level of support in the classroom! Your dedication, hard work and unwavering commitment to Derby students makes a difference in your school and in our academic community. UPSEU is so very proud to represent you in your role!"