Jamel Small is 2022 Paraeducator of the Year
 
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.
Paraprofessional of the Year for 2022 Jamel Small
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. 
Past Honorees
 
Paraprofessional of the Year for 2022 Jamel Small
 
2021 C.E.S. Paraeducator of the Year Michael Cueto
 
 
 
 
 
2017 Paraeducator of the Year Alyson Shopovick (DLC)
2017: Alyson Shopovick (DLC)
 
2016 Paraeducator of the Year Jamie Toppin (RISE)
2016: Jamie Toppin (RISE)
 
2015 Paraeducator of the Year Ben Megna (PLC)
2015: Ben Megna (PLC)
 
2014 Paraeducator of the Year Julius Britt (DLC)
2014: Julius Britt (DLC)
 
2013 Paraeducator of the Year  Luciana Perelli (PLC)
2013: Luciana Perelli (PLC)