Newtown’s 2022 Teacher of the Year Amy Deeb and 2022 Paraeducator of the Year Judy Watts were celebrated at the Board of Education’s September 20 meeting.

During the Celebration of Excellence portion of the meeting, Newtown High School Principal Dr Kimberly Longobucco spoke about both Deeb and Watts, who both work at NHS.

Deeb and Watts were announced as the Teacher of the Year and Paraeducator of the Year near the end of the 2021-22 school year. Both were surprised with the news while working, as previously reported in The Newtown Bee.

Longobucco said Watts first started working in the district in 2004, working as a substitute teacher before starting as a paraeducator at Middle Gate Elementary School. She later worked at Reed Intermediate School, and she has worked at NHS for the last eight years.

“While at Newtown High School, she has worked with some of our most complex learners, both academically and medically, with patience and ease,” said Longobucco. “Her ability to remain composed in stressful situations demonstrates her capability to navigate anything that comes her way.”

Later Watts was introduced to the board, with applause from those present for the meeting. Board Chair Deborra Zukowski handed Watts a plaque and Superintendent of Schools Chris Melillo also offered his congratulations.

Longobucco then spoke about Deeb.

“When it comes to being a dedicated teacher, words come to mind [about Deeb] like caring, committed, challenging, engaging, and passionate,” said Longobucco. “And phrases such as ‘she’s an expert in her area’ and ‘a leader inside and outside of the classroom.’”

Deeb started her tenure at NHS in 2004 as a social studies teacher, Longobucco shared. Deeb now serves as the head of the social studies department.

Longobucco said Deeb pushes her students to learn other viewpoints and accept everyone as a valued member of the school community.

Through a course called Conversations on Race, Longobucco said Deeb has created partnerships with students and teachers at Danbury High School, Stratford High School, and Bunnell High School to give her students the opportunity to connect with students from surrounding towns.

Deeb is also an integral member of the NHS leadership team, the NHS principal said.

Deeb was also applauded by the audience, given a plaque by Zukowski, and congratulated by Melillo before the meeting continued.

Education Editor Eliza Hallabeck can be reached at eliza@thebee.com.