Southington Paraeducator Named Tops In Connecticut: State

SOUTHINGTON, CT — With a son requiring special education services in the Southington School System, Dawn Dickau was inspired to embark on a new career path in 2015.

Friday, that career path turned to gold when she was named the top paraeducator in Connecticut for 2023-24.

Dickau is a paraprofessional at Joseph A. DePaolo Middle School in Southington and the special announcement Friday morning was a surprise to her, but not a shock to those who know her.

“One of the most important roles of a paraeducator is finding the correct balance between assisting students and encouraging them to complete tasks independently,” Chris Palmieri, principal of DePaolo Middle School, said.

“Dawn does an exceptional job of knowing when to step in and provide support for her student and when to challenge him to be self-sufficient.

"Thanks to all of Dawn’s efforts, her student had a flawless transition from elementary to middle school. She is a phenomenal addition to our DePaolo Middle School family.”

Dickau will be recognized again in November at the Connecticut Teacher of the Year ceremony, along with the 2024 Connecticut Teacher of the Year and district Teachers of the Year.

On Friday, Connecticut's top leaders joined local education officials in the surprise announcement, which was made by Gov. Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Connecticut Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker.

The official name of the honor is the Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award.

According to state officials, Dickau was Inspired by how special education benefited her son and her family.

This, they said, sent Dickau on her journey in education in 2015, initially supporting students on the autism spectrum at South End Elementary School.

For three years, she provided "invaluable special education support" before transitioning to John F. Kennedy Middle School in August 2018, officials said.

In November 2019, Dickau's mission led her to William H. Hatton Elementary School, where she began assisting a student with a visual impairment.

Now at DePaolo, Dickau will do anything to better serve the children.

As an example, state officials said, to better guide her student’s transition to DePaolo, Dickau taught herself Braille.

“Paraeducators provide an incredible amount of support to learners, and their dedication and support lays the foundation for student success,” Lamont said. “Ms. Dickau’s recognition as Connecticut’s 2024 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year is richly deserved. Her tireless commitment and invaluable contributions to DePaolo Middle School are an inspiration to us all. Congratulations to Ms. Dickau and to all paraeducators for their exceptional work in nurturing and guiding their students towards a brighter future.”

In congratulation Dickau, Bysiewicz discussed the vital role paraeducators play in schools and in the lives of pupils.

“Each day of the school year, students are learning life skills, building social-emotional awareness, and learning the necessary coping skills that will help set them up for success in later life,” Bysiewicz said.

“But each of our students learn differently and bring with them different obstacles and difficulties to overcome. That’s why paraeducators are vital to our state’s school systems, and even more vital to the students they serve."

Connecticut's top education official agreed.

“Paraeducators are an integral part of the education system who work closely with teachers and other professionals to provide critical support to our students with unique and diverse needs,”Russell-Tucker said. “Congratulations to Dawn Dickau, an exemplary paraeducator, whose story serves as an inspiration to us all.”

The Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Program recognizes one paraeducator who has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in their role.