2024-25 Paraeducator of the Year

Paraeducator of the Year
Posted on 06/04/2024

Jennifer Palmieri Named Monroe Public Schools 2024-25 Paraeducator of the Year


The Monroe Public Schools is proud to announce Jennifer Palmieri as the 2024-25 Paraeducator of the Year. Jen has been a paraeducator in Monroe since 2006, beginning her career in Masuk’s Life Skills program where she offered 1:1 support to students. In 2009, Jen transitioned to Fawn Hollow Elementary School to follow her true passion in early childhood education where she currently works as a 1:1 paraeducator in second grade. In addition to her duties as a paraeducator, Jen also co-chairs Fawn Hollow’s before and after school Arts and Imagination program, which provides extracurricular opportunities for students.

Parents, teachers, and other staff members all wrote nominations for Jen, highlighting the immense impact she has had on the entire Fawn Hollow community. One teacher wrote that she is “consistent, caring, and compassionate” and “goes above and beyond”. Another teacher commented that Jen’s “students always show the most growth and improvement as a result of her tireless efforts to challenge them while providing them with love and support”. One parent recognized that “Jen always stood out, not just for her seasonally themed hats that everyone looks forward to, but as an OUTSTANDING para who takes her role of supporting her students above and beyond all expectations. She is not only dedicated to the student in her charge, but to the entirety of her classroom, grade level and the Special Ed team”.

Fawn Hollow Principal Leigh Ances sums up Jen’s impact perfectly: “Jen always puts the needs of her students first. Each year, I marvel at the amount of growth we see in the students she supports. Her impact, however, spreads well beyond the walls of the classroom. Jen is the first to pitch in and lend a hand wherever and whenever needed. She takes initiative and is the first to offer her assistance at school wide events as well as daily arrival and dismissal. She helps foster a sense of community by organizing fun staff events like ‘crocktoberfest’. We all benefit from Jen’s dedication and commitment to her students and our school. She spreads positive energy everywhere she goes and makes a huge impact on our school community.”

“Jen’s commitment to staff, students, and families is admirable,” stated Monroe Superintendent, Joe Kobza. “She is a shining star and a major factor for the positive climate that exists at Fawn Hollow today. We are lucky to have her!”
Palmieri feels fortunate to give back to Monroe. “I love my job because it keeps me connected to my community, allows me to work in the same district my son attends, and I love the connections I have made with all of my students and families through the years.
The entire Monroe school community is grateful for all that Jen Palmieri has given to this district and is thrilled to celebrate her accomplishments through this recognition.



Paraeducator of the Year