MONTVILLE — Lisa Atkinson, a paraeducator at Leonard J. Tyl Middle School, has been named Connecticut’s 2027 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year, state education officials announced October 20.
Atkinson began working for Montville Public Schools in 2005 in the RISE program at Mohegan Elementary School. She moved to Oakdale Elementary School after four years and returned to the RISE program at Tyl in 2015, according to the official announcement.
Her work includes helping students use augmentative and alternative communication devices alongside speech-language pathologists. She also collaborates with physical therapy professionals to help students move through their school environment.
Atkinson participates in Tyl Buddies, which brings together students with and without disabilities to build friendships and inclusion. State and district leaders credited her with connecting students, educators and families and supporting students’ independence.
Raised and educated in East Lyme, Atkinson first worked with children in daycare settings. Classroom volunteering later led to work as a substitute paraeducator and then her career in Montville, the state said.
The annual award recognizes a paraeducator’s skill and dedication, including the respect earned from students, families and colleagues. It was renamed in March 2013 in memory of Anne Marie Murphy, the special education paraeducator killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
The state’s announcement and Montville’s school publication confirm the recognition. A photograph published with the school announcement shows Atkinson with officials during the award celebration.