Lincoln Bassett School special education teacher Catherine DiGioia has been named New Haven’s teacher of the year, and Nathan Hale School kindergarten paraeducator Linda Randi has been named New Haven’s paraeducator of the year.
Awards and Recognition
New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) Supt. Madeline Negrón announced those 2026 Teachers, Administrators, Parents, and Support Staff (TAPS) awards at last week’s Board of Education meeting. During the meeting, the school board celebrated and listened to remarks from DiGioia and Randi.
DiGioia has worked in a self-contained classroom at Bassett for her entire eight-year teaching career. She teaches students ages 4–12 years old. Not only does she teach core subjects like reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies, but she also provides individualized instruction in communication, social skills, behavior support, motor development, and life skills.
Negrón shared that, while at Lincoln-Bassett, DiGioia played an integral role in developing and expanding the school’s special education program for self-contained classrooms, growing it from a single kindergarten classroom into a comprehensive elementary program that now serves students through middle school.
Meanwhile, veteran paraeducator Linda Randi, has worked for NHPS since 1985. Negrón said that Randi’s NHPS journey began after the loss of her husband. She started volunteering at her children’s school and later joined the Write to Read program.
Over the past 41 years, Randi has offered an unwavering commitment to the district’s students by supporting their academic, social, and emotional growth. Ten years ago she also began serving as the paraeducator union steward at her school.
Leadership and Partnership
At last week’s meeting, Randi thanked her school team and the paraprofessionals union for providing so much support. The administrative, union, and teacher support and encouragement since the start of her career has been a constant source of her strength throughout her journey.
She said that, to continue supporting student success, a seamless partnership between teachers, admin, and paras is required. While speaking directly to her fellow paraprofessionals, Randi reminded them each that they make a difference every day.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
