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Congratulations to ALL of the 2022 Nebraska Paraeducator of the Year nominees, finalists, and winners! We appreciate and thank all of the amazing Paraeducators throughout the state of Nebraska for their hard work and dedication to our students. We truly couldn’t do it without you!
The 2022 Paraeducators of the Year are (in order of grade level)
Janine Marker – Lincoln Public Schools (Pre-school)
“Ms. Janine is a classroom staple in our preschool room. She works with both morning and afternoon sessions providing support for the daily functioning of our class, and the individual needs of students. Janine has the best smile and sense of humor. Adults, students and families enjoy her companionship and encouragement. Janine goes above and beyond to make sure students enjoy their time while in preschool from getting surprise trinkets to celebrate a special day, or writing notes home to parents to share how proud she is of a child’s accomplishments. Janine recognizes each student for their strengths while gently guiding as they learn new skills. She always has a hug or high-five at the ready and a cozy cuddle when tissues are needed. Janine is one of the very best paraeducators I have had the pleasure with whom to work.”
Brenda Moeller – Shelton Public Schools (Elementary School)
“Brenda is an exceptional special education paraeducator and has been for many years. I am proud to nominate her as paraeducator of the year for the time and hours she has invested in helping children with special needs. She has helped improve the quality of life for so many students over the years. Brenda has helped children, who were non-verbal, express themselves with PEC (Picture Exchange Communication) cards. These children are now able to greet their peers, request toys and participate in games and recess like the other children in class. She has assisted children in developing and improving their fine motor and gross motor skills by providing additional practice for the activities developed by the occupational therapist.”
Veronica Torres – Scottsbluff Public Schools (Middle School)
“Veronica takes initiative and does what needs to be done in order to support students. Veronica is always at work, and is very reliable. She cares about the success of the students. Veronica will also show up and pull through when needed. She is also very flexible and is willing to help whenever it’s needed.”
Lucy Streeter – Wisner-Pilger Schools (High School/Transition)
“As a student who had a disability going through Wisner-Pilger Schools in 2010, Lucy helped me as a student with her hard work ethic and overall kind person. She was a friend, confidant, and someone who could also assist me with my students. Now, I have been working with Lucy for nine years at Wisner-Pilger. She works so well with students in my classroom. Lucy comes to school at seven in the morning, where she will assist students while not even being on the clock. All throughout the day, Lucy works directly with students. Last year, she assisted in one of my classes who had a large majority of students with behavioral challenges as well as EL students. She sat right next to one student and helped her directly. Lucy also does all of the work on her own. She enjoys getting the assignments early so she can get the items completed. Then, she can directly help students with the work, since she has been through it herself.”