Paraeducator Of The Year
Edlira Panajoti
Kennedy Middle School
2026-2027

Edlira joined Southington Public Schools in 2019 and has made an extraordinary impact on students, colleagues, and the entire school community.
- TRANSFORMS struggling students into confident, independent learners.
- BUILDS meaningful relationships with students through kindness, patience, trust, and high expectations.
- ENSURES all students can access rigorous grade-level instruction through thoughtful scaffolding and individualized support.
- CONSISTENTLY steps beyond her assigned responsibilities to support students, colleagues, and the school community whenever needed.
- MAINTAINS high expectations and instructional continuity while keeping student learning at the center of everything she does.
- DEMONSTRATES unwavering professionalism, flexibility, and commitment to student success.
Mrs. Panajoti does far more than assist. She elevates everyone around her. She strengthens student independence, supports her colleagues, and ensures that every learner has the opportunity to succeed. Quite simply, she doesn't just support students - she changes their trajectories.
Paraeducator of the Year Recipients
- 2026-2027 Edlira Panajoti
- 2025-2026 Shari Baillargeon
- 2024-2025 Mike Serafino
- 2023-2024 Dawn Dickau -SPS Paraeducator of the Year and Connecticut's 2024 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year.
- 2022-2023 Donna Bowes
- 2021-2022 Lydia Holbrook
- 2020-2021 Suzanne Topper
- 2019-2020 Caroline Turek
- 2018-2019 Anne Lippincott
- 2017-2018 Edit Costanzo
- 2016-2017 Deb Stevens
- 2015-2016 Andrea Cerboni
- 2014-2015 Deb Bender
- 2013-2014 Cathy Riccio
- 2012-2013 Barbara Perretta