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Dear Neighbor,
Today, I had the great honor of joining Governor Ned Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker, Principal Chris Palmieri, local officials, students, and teachers at DePaolo Middle School for the announcement of Dawn Dickau as the 2024 Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year. Fellow Education Committee Member State Representative Francis Cooley and I presented Dawn with a citation and congratulated her on her accomplishment.
Inspired by how special education benefited her son and her family, Dickau embarked on her journey in education in 2015, initially supporting students on the autism spectrum at South End Elementary School. For three years, she provided invaluable special education support before transitioning to John F. Kennedy Middle School in August 2018. In November 2019, Dickau's mission led her to William H. Hatton Elementary School, where she began assisting a student with a visual impairment.
To better guide her student’s transition to DePaolo Middle School, Dickau taught herself Braille, enhancing her ability to support the student’s access to academics and the arts, including participating in the Silver Star Band. Dickau actively seeks professional development opportunities, collaborates with teachers, and initiated a Braille Day in the classroom to educate other students. Her advocacy transcends school grounds, as she also played a pivotal role in installing caution signs near her student’s home.
The Anne Marie Murphy Paraeducator of the Year Program recognizes one paraeducator who has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication in their role, thereby earning the respect and admiration of students, teachers, administrators, coworkers, and parents. The award was renamed in March 2013 to honor Anne Marie Murphy, a special education paraprofessional who lost her life in the December 14, 2012, tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
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