Trumbull Schools Name 2023 Teacher, Paraeducator Of The Year

TRUMBULL, CT — Trumbull Public Schools announced this week the district's teacher and paraeducator of the year for 2023.

Elizabeth "Liz" O'Hagan was named Teacher of the Year and Melissa Daniele was named Paraeducator of the Year, according to the district.

In a news release, district officials said each of the eleven schools in Trumbull met with their school-based committee to select one nomination to be considered for both honors. Their nominees completed short essays based on the state qualifications for both awards.

District committees of teacher representatives and paraeducator representatives then met to read their submissions with names redacted, rate them and discuss.

O'Hagan has served Trumbull Public Schools for 23 years. She currently works as an 8th grade English language arts teacher at Madison Middle School.

At the core of her philosophy of education, she believes that children need to know what they
are learning is relevant, important, and meaningful, according to the district.

"In the end, what I want is for the students to want to learn and to see the value in it," O'Hagan said in a news release. "I want to encourage and guide them to be lifelong learners. I want
them to be happy and comfortable and to feel welcome when they are with me. I want them to do their best and to see what they can accomplish. I want them to feel comfortable being the incredible humans they are."

One parent of a Madison student noted O'Hagan really took the time to get to know their son

despite some behavior issues this year.

"She always fully supported him and has been an advocate for him," the parent said in a news release. "She made her classroom a safe space for him no matter when he needed to go there. She was always available to communicate with me via email or phone when needed. It is a wonderful feeling when you know someone truly 'gets' your kid and takes the time to find ways to make him feel safe and supported. It takes a special person and dedicated teacher."

Currently serving Hillcrest Middle School, Daniele has served in Trumbull Public Schools for over 14 years as a paraeducator.

"I love helping students at all levels," Daniele said in a news release. "When I walk in a classroom I make it known that I am there to help anyone at any time, even if it is not for the class we are in. To put it simply, I love that I am able to help students and push them to their limits and strive for success. When they realize that they can do something it is the biggest reward that I can get."

One Hillcrest teacher noted Danielle goes above and beyond in establishing great relationships with students and staff.

"She is compassionate and knows when to push individual students to do more and when to support them," Danielle said in a news release. "Moreover, she does her work with ease and grace."