Cumberland’s 2024 District Education Support Professional of the Year –Terri Simao
Terri Simao was recognized at the Cumberland School Committee meeting on Thursday, November 14, 2024, as the district’s Support Professional of the Year.
We congratulate Terri on this outstanding achievement! As a paraprofessional at John J. McLaughlin Elementary School, she makes a positive impact on the lives of our students every day. Terri has proven over the last 27 years to be a hard-working asset to the school department.
Ms. Debra Malcolm, Principal at JJM Cumberland Hill Elementary School submitted the following nomination:
“This year, I took the same approach as last year and asked the staff who to nominate as the candidate for support professional of the year from Cumberland Hill. All of the responses I received nominated the same individual – Terri Simao. This was the same person I nominated last year. There are so many qualities Terri holds and that is why I believe once again the staff wished to nominate her for this award.
Terri does such a wonderful job in all the classes she has supported over the years. She goes above and beyond helping students both academically and with their social/emotional needs. She is nurturing but also provides the students with clear and consistent expectations. She has made such a difference in all the children’s lives she has touched. In addition, she is such an asset to the many teachers she has supported through many years in the district. She does her job with a positive attitude and a warm smile.
I have had the pleasure of working with Terri at Cumberland Hill for the last 9 years and have been fortunate to be able to observe her in her role here as a paraprofessional. The interactions that I have witnessed between her and the students along with staff have always been kind and professional. She is an exemplary paraprofessional and truly gives over 100% every day.
Her approach to her students is the epitome of an excellent work ethic. Not only does she bring her positive attitude and helpful gestures to the classroom, but she also brings these attributes to other areas of the building. I have watched her help her students not only with academics but social-emotional and ADLs as well.
Terri assists in arrival each morning, greeting students and families as they arrive at school. This sets a positive start to the students’ day. There have been many instances when Terri supports students who may be dealing with anxiety and difficulty with separating from a parent or caregiver and in a truly gentle manner, she can encourage and support the student through the transition into the school.
This year has proven to be unique for Terri as she has been taxed with supporting first-grade students, one of which requires a significant amount of one-to-one support in the area of self-regulation and social-emotional support. Terri continues to play a major role in collecting data in all aspects of the student’s day related to his academic skills as well as data to develop a behavior plan to support the student throughout his entire school day. While most individuals may have already given up, Terri continues to encourage and support this student setting specific boundaries and attainable goals. With her support and ongoing guidance, the student has made gains in a short time.
Terri continues to be a valuable part of the special education team at CHILL. I hope that she is considered for the honor of Support Professional of the Year.
Thank you for your consideration.”
The district administrative team, as well as previous recipients of the Support Professional Award, got together to hear all the nominations that were submitted. There are many deserving professionals in the district, but Ms. Simao stood out as the prominent winner of the 2024 District Support Professional of the Year. Congratulations Terri and we look forward to working with you for years to come.