TRUMBULL, Conn. – Cooperative Educational Services is proud to announce its 2022 Paraeducator of the Year is Jamel Small, who works as an Educational Aide in the Transition Learning Center (TLC) in the CES Special Education division.

Jamel has been at CES for eight years, said his passion for the work was ignited during his first job interview at the agency.

 

“I was put in a classroom and told to get to know the students,” he said. “That day I fell in love with the job. This was the first job I had that made coming to work not feel like work. I felt like I was making a difference in some way.”

 

Jamel "constantly strives to enhance his knowledge and skills.  His commitment to education is clearly evident in his day to day interactions with staff and students," TLC Program Administrator Terri Garrity said. "He has an excellent rapport with students, serving as a teacher, friend, and advocate to each of them.  He will seek out suggestions and advice from colleagues in order to best meet the needs of his students, and is also quick to offer suggestions or ideas to coworkers.

 

Jamel grew up in Bridgeport and graduated from Central High School. He is now eligible for the Connecticut Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Award, which will be announced in the spring of 2022.