Nannette Duncan, a paraprofessional at Richland High School, has been named ESD 123’s Regional Classified Employee of the Year for 2023. The Classified School Employee of the Year program recognizes excellence in the work of public school employees such as paraprofessionals, food service workers, secretaries, custodians, and more.
As a paraeducator working with students with special needs, Ms. Duncan says the most important part of her job is to encourage classroom inclusion and foster engagement. She works closely with her students and other teachers to build classroom environments where all students can succeed and grow, both academically and behaviorally. Her references say she goes above and beyond to help her students, from writing class notes alongside them to helping their families create steady routines at home, to stepping back to let them be independent where she can.
“She is patient, kind, and compassionate, and has a remarkable ability to connect with students on a personal level,” says Ms. Duncan’s supervisor, Richland High School Assistant Principal Erin Easton. “Her caring approach creates a supportive and nurturing environment that helps students feel safe, valued, and empowered.”
Ms. Duncan is one of nine regional Classified Employee of the Year winners from Washington State who will go on to compete in the state competition organized by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). More information on the awards can be found at https://www.k12.wa.us/educator-support/awards-recognition/educator-awards/classified-school-employee-year.