Redding Elementary School Paraeducator Honored

REDDING, CT — Redding Elementary School paraeducator James Bairaktaris has been named the 2020 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year.

The announcement came in a ceremony at the school on Tuesday. State Education Commissioner Miguel Cardona, Region 9 District Superintendent Tom McMorran, RES Principal Natalie Hammond and other state and local officials were in attendance.

Bairaktaris, a Westport resident, is in his third year at RES which he attended as a student and was initially hired as a cafeteria paraeducator. He now provides support to students in math, assists with students who need one-on-one support, and has been trained to assist behavior technicians.

"Paraeducators make up the critical foundation necessary for a safe, supportive learning environment that engages students and encourages them to realize their full potential in school and life. Jamie not only accomplishes this in his day-to-day work but has directly contributed to the sense of safety and support within the RES community through the rollout of ‘The Living Room’ project, ensuring students are happy, healthy and ready to learn," said Commissioner Cardona.

The Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award is named in honor of a special education paraprofessional who lost her life during the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School.