LIFE in the classroom: Sandra Pereira is named paraeducator of the year
- Mark Jahne
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
by Mark Jahne
Editor
School administrators and teachers consider paraprofessionals, or paraeducators as they are also called, to be the unsung heroes of the classroom.
In this town, their efforts are noticed and appreciated. The Newington Public Schools is one of a few districts in this area that bestows a Paraeducator of the Year Award
This year’s winner, announced at the end of the academic year in June, is Sandra Pereira, who works at Elizabeth Green School. The honor was presented to her at the school’s recent Celebration of Learning.
She was nominated for the districtwide award by Elizabeth Green educators Gricel Boden, Amanda Jennings and Emma Detrick. Pereira was selected for what they called her impactful and heart-centered work with students.
A native of Mumbia, India, she was deeply honored to receive this recognition. She came to America to improve her youngest daughter’s educational opportunities. There are still members of her family in India.
“I was surprised at the award. I have been at Elizabeth Green for about 12 years now,” she said. “I live in Newington, very close to the school. I started my career in 1987 as a teacher.”
She also worked for several years for a nonprofit organization that trained teachers, at an international school for early childhood care, and for two years as a school principal. Another job was with a nonprofit organization that was affiliated with a university.
“I conducted a lot of workshops for parents and teachers,” Pereira said.
After immigrating to the United States, she chose to pursue an alternate route to certification so that she could teacher here.
“One of my friends suggested that I could work as a para,” she recalled.
She decided to give it a try. Pereira enjoys the connections that can be made by working with students one-to-one or in small groups. The children she assists have special needs.
“I have students who are assigned to me. I work with students from kindergarten to grade 4. It’s a wonderful experience. I mostly deal with students on the autism spectrum,” she said.
Others have behavioral or intellectual disabilities. Part of a para’s job is to assist the classroom teacher with daily routines.
“Every day is a new day. I love to take up challenges. I always call my students my heroes,” she said. “I will do this to my last breath. Education is a precious treasure that you own and nobody can take it from you.”
What makes the experience even more enjoyable is that her daughter Ahana Padubidri is also a paraeducator at Elizabeth Green.
“This is the elementary school that I went to,” Padubidri said.
She is proud of her mother, how hard she works, and the difference she makes in students’ lives.
“Everyone tells me about how good she is and how helpful she is,” Padubidri said.
Her mother cited a passion for what she does and always strives to do her best.
“I believe you should be productive and make the best use of the time you have,” Pereira said.
She enjoys writing poetry in her spare time.
“I do a lot of reading and research based on education. I plan to write books.”'
She also organizes an annual Diwali celebration at the school. Diwali is a major South Asian holiday.
“Sandra exemplifies the very best qualities of an educator through her kindness, patience and unwavering commitment to students,” Talisha Foy said.
She is the district’s director of human capital development.
Sandra exemplifies the very best qualities of an educator through her kindness, patience and unwavering commitment to students. She is a true warm demander, holding students to high expectations while providing the care, encouragement and support they need to succeed,” Foy said.
“What makes Sandra truly exceptional, however, is her humility. She does not seek recognition or praise for her contributions. Instead, she works quietly and diligently, guided by a genuine belief that supporting students is simply the right thing to do. Her actions speak volumes, reflecting a deep sense of purpose and care.” NL