PUTNAM, Conn — Putnam Elementary School kindergarten paraeducator Vanessa Taylor has been named Connecticut’s 2026 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year.

Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker announced the news earlier this week.

RELATED: Danbury educator named Connecticut’s 2026 Teacher of the Year

Taylor is a U.S. military veteran who entered the world of education after her honorable discharge more than 20 years ago.

After earning her certification through Connecticut Charts-A-Course, Taylor became a classroom teacher. Throughout her career, she has applied the National Association for the Education of Young Children standards to develop quality learning environments that help students grow in a variety of ways.

In a state release, Gov. Ned Lamont congratulated Tay

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